1325 and Gender in Prison context

General on women and imprisonment   Women constitute a small proportion of the general prison population worldwide (around 10 %)   Studies have shown that the number of female in prison is increasing in a faster rate than of the male   Prisons facilities and rules are designed with regard to males inmates needs   Prisons approach to the treatment of women replicates the exiting norms in the society.

Needs of women in a prison context   The change in the composition of the prison population has highlighted the shortcomings in almost all prison systems in meeting the gender-specific needs of women prisoners.   Due to their small numbers, women prisoners are discriminated against in many ways

Need of guidance and measures   Need of measures to reduce or eliminate discrimination by changing management practices   The increasing requirement to address the situation of female offenders has been emphasised by the United Nations in various contexts.

As a vulnerable group in prison   Particular attention being paid to the special problems which women offenders encounter, such as pregnancy and child care.   It is common for young children to accompany their mothers to prison   It is not uncommon for families to abandon female relatives that have committed crimes   Many females inmates often are from poor and marginalized communities

As a vulnerable group in prison   Domestic violence against women and their sexual abuse prior to imprisonment have been documented in countries worldwide. Women who are admitted to prison are more likely than men to suffer from mental disabilities, often as a result of domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse (UNODC)   Women who are admitted to prison are more likely than men to suffer from mental disabilities, often as a result of domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse (UNODC)

Specific needs to keep dignity as womem   Greater basics needs (food, hygiene, medical care)   Greater needs of protection (other prisoners, guards)   Greater need of separation from males

Need of categorization and individaulisation   Classicification and individualisation   More familly visits and communication   No discremination regarding: – –Work (men and women) – –Convicted (men and women) – –Recreation (men and women)

Your Role after this session ?   Advocate to raise awareness on vulnerability of women in prison   Advocate for gender balance among prisons staff including management level   Mobilise key players and country leaders on women’s leaving conditions in prison   Raise awareness on prison as an important Rule of Law component to protect the society.   Advocate on the importance of HR- approach to prison management

Prisons as a mirror of countries development’s level It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside the jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest one”

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