Study of Women’s Prisoners (2007 Onwards)

Women prisoners belong to one of the most vulnerable sections of society and the findings of this study can have far reaching implications. There was need to understand the morbidities reported by female prisoners and the healthcare facilities available to them.

Objectives

• The study aims to understand the nature and types of morbidities reported by female prisoners and treatment and hospitalisation facilities available for these morbidities.
• The study has assessed whether the prisons comply with the standards proposed by the prison manual, with regard to physical infrastructure, medical facilities, food and nutrition and water and sanitation facilities.

The study was conducted in the prisoners of Maharashtra. Data collection was carried out in eight District and Central prisons which house women prisoners. A total of 390 women prisoners were interviewed in addition to that prison personnel, doctors based in prisons and NGOs working with prisoners were interviewed. Currently the primary data has been analysed and report writing is in progress.

Supported by:National Commission for Women, Government of India
Team: Leni Chaudhuri and Reena Mary George