Locked Up and Left Behind: Exploring the Struggles of Women Behind Bars in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

This study provides an overview of the examination of challenges faced by female prisoners in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with a focus on Central Prisons Peshawar and Haripur. It explores issues such as overcrowding, poor living conditions, violence, lack of rehabilitation, legal injustices, healthcare gaps, separation from children, and social stigma. Employing phenomenology, the study conducts in-depth interviews and thematic analysis to capture the subjective experiences of female inmates. Results expose a grim reality marked by systemic deficiencies and societal neglect, amplifying the vulnerability of incarcerated women. The conclusion emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions to address these challenges and facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of female prisoners. Policy implications advocate for measures such as reducing overcrowding, improving access to healthcare and rehabilitation programs, enabling family connections, and fostering societal acceptance through awareness campaigns.