C HAPTER 30. W OMEN IN RISON OBJECTIVE In all prison systems, women make up a small minority of the prison population. All chapters of the Manual should be read from a perspective which takes account of gender issues. The objective of this chapter is to identify specific issues which must be borne in mind when women are imprisoned. In most societies, women have particular family responsibilities in respect of childcare and related issues. This means that, when a mother is taken into custody, there are likely to be special consequences for other members of her family. In general terms, prison is a male-dominated society. Particular care should therefore be taken that the rights and needs of women are not ignored. ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES Women are entitled to equal enjoyment and protection of all human rights in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil and all other fields. Women prisoners shall not suffer discrimination and shall be protected from all forms of violence or exploitation. Women prisoners shall be detained separately from male prisoners. Women prisoners shall be supervised and searched by female officers and staff. Pregnant women and nursing mothers who are in prison shall be provided with the special facilities which they need for their condition. Whenever practical, women prisoners should be taken to outside hospitals to give birth. These principles should be presented visually and remain on display throughout the session. BASIS IN INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS Exercise: Using the Compilation of Instruments, the trainees should work in pairs in order to discover the basis for each of these principles. A reporting back session should ensure that all the information has been discovered. IMPLICATIONS The essential points are that women present special difficulties when they are held in prison both because of their relatively small numbers and because of the particular role they play in society. When this section is presented, it should be emphasized that women are among the most vulnerable groups of detainees everywhere. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS This section provides a thorough analysis of the areas needing the attention of prison staff if the international instruments are to be complied with. Sufficient time should be allowed to ensure that the trainees have the opportunity to discuss each point. 140