Prison work has been traditionally regarded as a male preserve in many countries. Yet according to the UNODC Handbook for Prison Leaders, there is no reason why this should be the case. Experience in a number of countries has shown that women can carry out the regular duties of prison staff just as well as men. On International Women’s Day on 8 March, learn why gender equality can make for a more balanced, just, and humane criminal justice system.
“They say that prison systems must take into account the special needs of female prisoners,” says Sabine*, a prisoner from Germany.
“As a woman and a prisoner, I can assure you it is true. I feel that every day.”
While still forming a minority of the global prison population, the number of women prisoners has increased at an alarming rate of 60 per cent since the year 2000 – almost three times the growth of the male prison population over the same period.
At the same time, it is broadly recognized that the incarceration of women is closely linked to marginalization and poverty, gender discrimination as well as prior trauma and abuse.
As part of the United Nations’ commitment to advance the gender-responsive treatment of women prisoners, and to enhance the use of non-custodial measures for women offenders, the Bangkok Rules recognize the essential role that female prison officers play in this regard.
At a strategic and policy level, women’s involvement at all levels increases the likelihood of a gender lens being applied across all prison management practices to meet women’s needs, rather than minor adaptations being made to a predominantly male-oriented model.
At a one-to-one level, women prisoners, in particular those in vulnerable situations, tend to feel more comfortable talking or raising concerns with someone of their own gender. International minimum prison standards, such as the Nelson Mandela Rules, are clear in calling for female prisoners to be attended and supervised only by female staff to foster prospects for a safe and inclusive environment.
However, the role of female prison officials goes far beyond working in women’s prisons. In all facilities the presence of women staff can often defuse potentially volatile incidents when confrontations arise.
According to Ioana Morar, Deputy General, Director Romanian Administration of Penitentiaries: “The strength of women officers in prisons lies not just in their ability to enforce rules, and in their courage and resilience, but also in their innate capacity to empathize, making a profound difference by fostering a more rehabilitative atmosphere.”
Women’s involvement also promotes a culture that supports female officers more effectively in the workplace.
Despite the above, male-oriented prison environments, cultures and practical obstacles often prevent prison services from benefiting from the distinct expertise and insights of women throughout their ranks.
Karin Andersson has over 20 years’ experience in the prison service of Sweden. “About 21 years ago, when I started working as a prison officer, I developed an interest in working with conflict resolution and physical interventions in prisons – an area that was, and in many countries still is, dominated by men.”
“It has often been a struggle being a woman in a male-dominated environment,” she says. “I have received comments like, ‘You’re good at this, even though you’re a woman’.”
As well as having to deal with discriminatory attitudes, Karin highlights practical obstacles, such as using equipment designed specifically for men. “You cannot expect riot gear fit for men to provide proper protection for women.”
Rona Barrameda-Suyu, Jail Officer 2, Bureau of Jail Management & Penology in the Philippines, agrees. “When I entered the prison service, it wasn’t geared to women. During training, we all had to be physically ready and fit to meet the same standards that were set for everyone, regardless of gender.
“We had to carry heavy firearms securing PDLs (person deprived of liberty) during escorts,” she continues. “We had to be tough but also show compassion and care to these PDLs who needed us.”
But, Rona adds, “being tough and compassionate at the same time makes a woman correction officer unique.”
And this inequality extends to career development, where it’s not uncommon for women to be passed over for promotion. According to the UNODC handbook for prison managers and policymakers on women and imprisonment:
“In the male dominated, hierarchical prison environment, female prison staff may face unfair competition as well as overprotection. Often, they have less authority and decision-making power, and they themselves may suffer from sexual harassment and discrimination in their workplaces.”
Bibigul Munaitpasova, Head of the Educational Department of the Prison Committee of Kazakhstan, demonstrated real determination: “At the beginning, my relatives were scared to let me go to work in the prison system, but I said: ‘Somebody has to do it, why not me?’”
Bibigul has come a long way. Her work experience at all levels gives her an in-depth knowledge of all the practical aspects of the prison system. “There haven't been many female predecessors in our system, and every day you feel almost like a pioneer,” she says. “I enjoy my work and feel the responsibility and need to pass on my experience to younger prison officers.”
Alongside over 2,500 prison officers in Kazakhstan – a third of them women – Bibigul has taken the UNODC-supported e-learning course to better understand and apply the Nelson Mandela Rules (UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners). This was combined with in-service training on specific topics, such as the management of violent extremist prisoners and prevention of radicalization.
Encouraging more women to join the prison service is not just about increasing numbers; it's about breaking through traditional barriers and helping women to excel in the sector. By promoting inclusivity and gender diversity within the prison service, Member States can leverage the unique perspectives, skills, and talents that women bring to the table.
“While women staff members in prisons contribute significantly to a more balanced and humane correctional system, facing challenges head-on, they exemplify courage and adaptability,” noted Kathleen Van De Vijver, Director General of the Prison Service in Belgium.
To achieve this goal, it is essential to implement recruitment strategies that actively attract, support and retain female candidates. Providing mentorship programs, leadership opportunities, and creating a supportive network can help women navigate potential challenges and advance in their roles within the prison service. By championing initiatives that promote gender equality and diversity, we can create a more inclusive and effective prison system that benefits both staff and prisoners alike.
UNODC works closely with Member States to integrate gender considerations and the empowerment of women into penal and prison programs. One dedicated initiative – “Renewing our promise: Fostering progress and investments to advance the application of the Bangkok Rules” – is undertaken by the UNODC and Thailand Institute of Justice. A key aim of this work is to situate women impacted by the criminal justice system as a much more integral part of Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
*Name changed to protect privacy
