Plight of female prisoners

The conditions these women have to endure within such a marginalised system is disquieting to say the least

In a patriarchal society that is quick to throw its delinquents in prison, women behind bars remain the less visible victims in Pakistan as they are more often than not neglected by the criminal justice system. Some 2,000 females are locked up in prisons across the country, with still awaiting trial and some facing the death penalty. The conditions these women have to endure within such a highly-gendered and marginalised system is disquieting to say the least.

In Pakistan, prisons have been left in tatters. Their hallways echo the helpless voices of incarcerated women who, apart from being emotionally and physically abused before conviction, are often subjected to coercion, harassment and torture after being locked up. Therefore, many have exhibited signs of depression, stress, sleep disorder and general anxiety. In most cases, children have no other option but to live with their mothers in prison. In 2014, the Justice Project Pakistan initiative uncovered “conclusive signs of abuse” against 134 female prisoners out of which 82 suffered sexual abuse in Faisalabad prison. Furthermore, due to the dearth of proper resources in prisons, authorities have failed to address women’s sanitary and menstruation needs.

In light of these deplorable conditions, the Prime Minister has recently announced the formation of a committee to analyse and investigate the many problems that female prisoners encounter within the justice system. Apart from enforcing the structural and institutional changes needed, the committee will also ensure gender-specific services for female prisoners in order to cope with their psychological, emotional and social needs. In the future, the committee will also deal with gender discrimination within society in a generalised context. While the initiative seems to be a small step in reforming the prison system, it is a giant leap in acknowledging the plight of women across the country. At the same time, however, the government should also ensure their successful re-entry into society post-release. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2020.

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