1. Overview 1.1 Why gender? Places of deprivation of liberty* have typically been created to maintain a secure environment to hold individuals separate from the general population. Policies to uphold human rights, improve rehabilitation efforts or contribute towards strengthening mental health have only come afterwards, if at all. The physical infrastructure, policies and practices have traditionally assumed that those held within places of deprivation of liberty are a homogeneous group of heterosexual adult males from the most prevalent ethnic, cultural and religious groups in that region. Where efforts have been made to improve conditions or meet needs, there has been an additional assumption that treating everyone the same means that everyone has been treated equally. However, there is a growing acknowledgement that different groups of people deprived of their liberty have different needs, and therefore justice reforms are needed to ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect.^ Where places of deprivation of liberty have made provisions for women and girls, these are often applied within a male-oriented framework and do not integrate a gender perspective, which would highlight the specific needs of groups other than adult males and would also diversify the way of working with men. The traditionally male-dominated spaces of justice institutions usually facilitate a very narrow conception of masculinity, which can perpetuate violence and isolation for many. Men and boys in such environments who do not identify with or conform to the outwardly “macho” displays of the culturally expected projections of masculinity are exposed to risk of violence. In addition, there is greater awareness that specific policies and practices are required to maintain the safety, dignity and equal participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) detainees and prisoners. * This Tool uses the definition in the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Article 4: “Deprivation of liberty means any form of detention or imprisonment or the placement of a person in a public or private custodial setting which that person is not permitted to leave at will by order of any judicial, administrative or other authority.” ^ For a broader discussion of gender and justice reform see Tool 4. Working with women and girls Women and girls constitute a vulnerable group in prisons, as well as outside, due to gender inequality. Although there are considerable variations in their situations in different countries and in the reasons for and intensity of their vulnerability and corresponding needs, several factors are common to most, including: Ê challenges faced in accessing justice on an equal basis with men and boys in many countries, as well as in accessing education and labour opportunities Ê disproportionate victimization from sexual or physical abuse and gender-based discrimination prior to imprisonment Image: Members of local commissions monitoring places of detention during a study visit to Penitentiary 13 in Chisinau, Moldova, 2013 © OSCE.