EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND WORK Vocational training Vocational training programmes in prisons should focus on the wider development of the individual. In addition to providing practical skills, good prison training and work programmes should also aim to give prisoners the information and skills they need to find a job after release. This includes general employment skills, enterprise and self-employment training, career guidance, job hunting skills and how to apply or interview for jobs. Women in prison are likely to benefit particularly from this type of programme as well as from programmes designed to build their self-confidence as potential employees. Importantly, vocational training priorities must be in line with the reality of the labour market. For female prisoners, vocational skills training programmes should be chosen and designed with consideration for the types of jobs women are likely to be offered, but also with a view to breaking gender stereotypes and economic disparities in the job market. The commentary to the Bangkok Rules contains a list of potential vocational training activities that may assist women in leading independent lives upon release, including administrative and computer skills, painting and decoration, managing income-generating community projects, and the use of microcredit facilities. While the list also includes childcare, cooking, hairdressing, dressmaking and embroidery, programmes should not be limited to activities traditionally considered as appropriate for women.83 Importantly, prisoners should also have a choice as to the type of training programme they would like to join. They should be trained according to recognised national standards and receive accredited qualifications for their learning. Even if female prisoners are employed to do basic prison tasks within a prison, such as catering, cleaning or gardening, these could be part of accredited training programmes. The fact that qualifications were gained inside prison should not be mentioned on any certificate of learning. PROMISING PRACTICE: Helping women build their economic freedom in Bolivia As part of its Global Programme for the Implementation of the Doha Declaration, the UNODC is working with the Bolivian prison administration and a local NGO, CECOPI, on an initiative to train female prisoners in the field of construction and related technical skills. The programme is designed to help the women acquire technical skills and strengthen their rights, self-esteem, entrepreneurial skills and decision-making capacities. the highest in demand in the coming years, and which will help women build their economic freedom. The initiative is currently being rolled out with an initial group of 50 female prisoners, who are receiving training in a range of construction-related specialities, including building, metalwork, plumbing, pipefitting, carpentry and training to be electricians. In addition, 10 of the women will subsequently become trainers to teach the skills they have The project counters the gender stereotyping learned to other prisoners. that leads to male prisoners receiving skills After release, the women will receive in more profitable areas, such as accounting support in joining the National Association and mechanics, and female prisoners in less of Women Constructors, which helps its lucrative industries, such as the production members promote their services, find of handicrafts. The project is based on work opportunities and develop their research into the demands of the job market own business.84 in Bolivia and equips women prisoners with skills for jobs that are predicted to be among 32 | Penal Reform International and Thailand Institute of Justice | Guide to the rehabilitation and social reintegration of women prisoners