Bridging the Gap: Maintaining Family Connections Trough the Female Open Prison System (PID105)

9.30am – 10am EST, 20 February 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Parallel Workshops

The Female Open Prison System in Zimbabwe addresses critical issues at the intersection of female incarceration and family connections. With rising rates of female incarceration, understanding the unique experiences of women in prison is vital. Women often serve as the anchors of their families, and their incarceration can strain familial ties. Key concerns include socio-economic factors leading to incarceration, the emotional toll on families, and the effects of trauma and victimization. In response, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service established the Open Prison System, implementing innovative practices to preserve family bonds. This system offers relaxed conditions that promote rehabilitation while prioritizing family cohesion. Features such as monthly home leave, unmonitored visits, and late lockup hours enhance family interactions and facilitate reintegration into communities. Vocational Training Colleges within open institutions empower women by providing skills training and financial contribution opportunities, enhancing their agency and connection to families. Specialized programs addressing mental health, trauma, and substance abuse are also integral, demonstrating a commitment to the challenges women face in custody. Aligned with the Bangkok Rules, which advocate for gender-sensitive policies, the Zimbabwean model emphasizes the importance of supporting incarcerated women and their families. This presentation will explore how architectural and environmental designs facilitate rehabilitation and family interactions, while also examining the barriers to maintaining these connections, ensuring that the needs of women and their families are central to correctional policy.