Incarcerated women: Their situation, their needs and measures for sustainable reintegration

Abstract

This contribution centers on incarcerated women offenders worldwide, their lived experiences, specific problems and needs, as well as correctional programming intended to help them reintegrate back into society. The chapter provides a theoretical understanding of the general marginalization of women in almost every modern society and an overview of theories that have been developed to explain why women commit offenses. Next, statistical information is provided concerning the prevalence of women prisoners in various parts of the world and the ways in which policy changes in the war on drugs and mandatory sentencing have impacted women's incarceration rates. The chapter then explores the genderspecific differences in women's pathways to prison and their distinct problems and needs, including the detrimental effects of mothers' incarceration on children. It concludes with promising approaches from different countries.