Bridging the Gap: Maintaining Family Connections Trough the Female Open Prison System

WICC2025 Presentation by Sikhulekile Ndlovu Msc, Rumbidzai Yvonne Meketsi Bsc, and Wendy Kunodzia Bsc (WICC2025-PID105)

Authors

Sikhulekile Ndlovu

Chief Director Strategic Planning and Gender Services, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, Zimbabwe

A holder of a variety of certificate programs from esteemed institutions in Community Development and Humanitarian Project Management, Diplomatic Protocol and Corporate Etiquette, as well as Monitoring and Evaluation and Project Management. Sikhulekile’s passion for gender equality and advocacy led her to pursue a Degree in Women and Gender Studies, where she became acutely aware of the systematic barriers faced by marginalised communities inmates in education, employment, and healthcare, and a Master of Social Science in Conflict Prevention and Early Warning Mechanisms.

Sikhulekile plays a vital role in enhancing the welfare of women inmates in Zimbabwe’s correctional system. Her expertise has enabled her to identify and address the systematic barriers these women face in the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional service. Through advocating for tailored support programs and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, she ensures that female inmates receive the resources necessary for their stay during incarceration and successful reintegration into society. Her commitment to gender equality has empowered incarcerated women to overcome challenges and build brighter futures.

Rumbidzai Yvonne Meketsi

Research Officer , Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, Zimbabwe

A qualified administrator with an Honors degree in Administration and Research who has experience working in the rehabilitation, secretariat and research in the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service. Rumbidzai Meketsi have authored several internal reports that have been integral to shaping policies and practices within the female open prison system and treatment of incarcerated women. Her work has examined the effectiveness of educational and vocational training programs, the impact of mental health support, family ties and the significance of community partnerships in facilitating successful reintegration. She was part of the research team which came up with initiatives on the correlation between skills development and reduced recidivism in the female open prison system. With a strong foundation in administration, Rumbidzai remains committed to researching and sharing insights with other professionals committed to reforming the treatment of female inmates and overally contributing to the lives of individuals and communities impacted by the criminal justice system.

Wendy Kunodzia

Rehabilitation Officer, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, Zimbabwe

Wendy Kunodzia is a passionate Rehabilitation Officer with an Honours Degree in Development, who has a focus on the unique needs of incarcerated women, she has dedicated her career to fostering positive change within the open prison system. Since joining the rehabilitation team, Wendy has played a pivotal role in implementing programs that address the psychological, emotional, and vocational needs of women inmates. She has developed tailored workshops that promote life skills, mental health awareness, and educational opportunities, empowering women to reintegrate successfully into society. She collaborates with community organizations to create pathways for support, ensuring that women have access to resources upon release. Her work has significantly reduced recidivism rates among participants in her programs, demonstrating the effectiveness of a holistic approach to rehabilitation. Through her unwavering dedication and expertise, Wendy continues to inspire hope and resilience among incarcerated women, championing a more compassionate and effective approach to rehabilitation in the open prison system.

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