What Are the Challenges of Women in Incarceration? The Case of Dessie Correctional Center, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2018 in the subject Sociology - Gender Studies, grade: 4, Wollo University, language: English, abstract: Women constitute a vulnerable group in prisons due to their gender. They face unique challenges compared to their male counterparts. These challenges include: a high level of mental healthcare needs, domestic violence and sexual abuse against women in prison. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the challenges female inmates face in Dessie correctional center in South Wollo zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. To conduct this study, mixed research approach employed. The sources of data were primary; questionnaire, key informant interview and focus group discussion and secondary sources; published and unpublished materials. To accomplish the study, all women inmates were selected as sample of the study by using comprehensive sampling and key informants were selected by using purposive judgmental sampling. The obtained data was analyzed and interpreted both quantitatively and qualitatively. The study finding disclosed that, the number of women prisoners is increasing from time to time within the institution, The study further shows that, lack of sufficient special diet, sleeping materials, health care, food and other services of children in the correctional center. The study shows that children's are socialized deviant behavior and it has negative effect on their future life. Furthermore, the study reveals that women inmates faced problems related to the working rules of the institution.In conclusion, the study recommends that the government should aware the society about crime, health service in the institution should be improved by qualified health professionals, the correction administration has to be made more sensitive and responsive to the problems of the children of imprisoned mothers and the working rules of the institution should be improved based on the special needs of female inmates.