WUNRN
Gender Excerpts:
F. Women in Prisons
47. Women represent a small
proportion of the global prison population worldwide; available figures suggest
that the rate is between 2 and 9 per cent, with the global average standing at
roughly 4 per cent. Nevertheless, the proportion of women detainees is
increasing in many States, and at a greater rate than for men. Much of the
increase can be explained by a greater severity in sentences rather than an
increased number of offences.
48. The profile of women in prison
in many States is similar: Most have grown up in multiple disadvanted
environments. They are often young, poor, unemployed, with low educational
achievement and a lack of basic skills. In a number of States, their detention
is closely related to drug trafficking and/or to the use of drugs. Many
demonstrate mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety and low
self-confidence often related to childhood or physical and sexual abuse.
49. In many States where educational
attainment is assessed upon entry, it is often not assessed by sex.
Nonetheless, where figures exist, it is clear that women have lower levels of
educational attainment than men.....
51. Although education is an
important means of helping women gain self-confidence and life skills, one
critical barrier to improving the relevance of their education provision is the
lack of research and information on their particular educational needs.....
VII. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
101. The Special Rapporteur makes
the following recommendations specifically regarding children and women in
detention and other marginalized groups:
(a) Special attention must be given to ensuring that all children subject to
compulsory education have access to, and participate in, such education;
(b) Curricula and educational practices in places of detention must be gender
sensitive, in order to fulfil the right to education of women and girls;
(c) Attention should be also given to persons from traditionally marginalized
groups, including women, minority and indigenous groups, those of foreign
origin and persons with physical, learning and psychosocial disabilities.
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