By looking at the statistics, we will realize that the number of convicted women in courts and subsequently the female prison population is growing. However, less attention has been paid to their issues and problems upon their return to society. Neglecting this important issue has always increased concerns about the mental health of these individuals, the possibility of re-offending and returning to prison, as well as the spread of social harms. For a convicted prisoner who has spent some time in prison, the first weeks and months after release are one of the most important stages of their life, which not only affects their own life and future, but also the lives of their loved ones. It is a period that may not lead to rebuilding life after prison and may lead individuals back towards criminal behavior and imprisonment. With this perspective, the way these individuals face society outside of prison and the challenges in the community and identifying the dimensions of women’s lives after the period of imprisonment is very important. Social experts focus on the dimensions of women

In this regard, we have had a conversation with Dr. “Aliye Shakarbigi”, a sociologist and researcher in the field of women. Ms. Shakarbigi, who has a background in secretary of the Healthy Family Working Group in the Office of the President in Women and Family Affairs, also has a PhD in Sociology (Social Issues Study).

Mrs. Shakarbigi, important.‌

What do you know about the biggest issue and challenge facing incarcerated women today?

Women prisoners are a group of women who have been forgotten in society. In our society, we only see and think of women who exist in the family and in the field of education, while in reality we have categories of “women prisoners” and “lonely women” (women who have reached absolute celibacy or women who have divorced). Therefore, all types of women have their own vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. We must pay special attention to the concept and definition of prison. We must understand what prison really is.

Based on research and studies, we must consider prisons as small communities alongside other existing communities and groups, in order for the process of rehabilitation and reformation of prisoners to be successful. This way, individuals can return to society after serving their sentence. Nevertheless, prisoners are a social group who have a mutual relationship with a larger group outside of prison – the general public. If we were to discuss the issues faced by female prisoners and the harms they endure, there are many factors to consider.

Considering this.‌

In all parts of the world, the number of female prisoners is generally lower than male prisoners. Therefore, one of the problems that female prisoners face upon entering prisons is the architecture of the prisons; a place designed for men. Therefore, one of the initial challenges of detaining women in prisons is this.‌

They are kept and under what conditions..

In the beginning, I will discuss prison management models; especially the management of women’s prisons. There are various models, including the hierarchical model. For example, imagine that according to this model, people are sent to prison. In a prison where forceful language prevails and no specific issue can be resolved through negotiation for prisoners. This itself is a problem. So what should we do? In the hierarchical model of prisons, issues of intimidation, threats, and prisoner transfers within and between institutions are always present.

Another model of prisons is interactive, which is based on a humanistic philosophy and strives to treat prisoners humanely. The intellectual school of thought of this group is positivism, in which they believe that a person’s behavior is determined by factors beyond their control. Therefore, in an interactive prison, the problem of a female prisoner is diagnosed based on the reasons for committing a crime and she is placed under treatment. Factors such as age, type of crime, length of imprisonment, geography and place of residence, and education of prisoners are also taken into account in this model. This is in contrast to the hierarchical model in prisons where this issue does not exist. In this model, behavior is only from top to bottom and prevention of escape, internal order, and severe punishment are evident.

Now this.‌

I think that which model is assigned to women in prisons, is more.‌

The hierarchical model is a series of levels. When you enter prison, there may be other models, but what is evident is the hierarchical model.

What solutions do you suggest for reducing the negative effects of women going to prison on their families?

Women prisoners face many social and economic problems and if they are not in contact with their families and relatives and do not receive social and emotional support, it is natural that they will face even more damages. The most important issue that can harm women prisoners is their reputation.‌

After this.‌

Those who go through a period of imprisonment face many difficulties in returning to their normal lives.

Therefore, cultural awareness must be promoted in this area. Media and various elements that are somehow related to the cultural and social development of society should strive to accept incarcerated women in society. Just as society interacts with incarcerated men, it should also interact with incarcerated women. In fact, a female prisoner may always carry the stigma of prison with her.

For example, imagine in a marital argument, the woman suddenly becomes insane and pushes the man, causing him to hit his head against the wall and die. Surely in such a situation, even if the woman is released from prison, her life will forever be under the shadow of that murder.

Can women be imprisoned?

The discussion of rehabilitation is worth considering. Think of a woman who enters prison: Is it better for her to wait and endure her 10-15 year sentence, or should we bring her under social control through a rehabilitation and empowerment approach? Surely, with the employment opportunities and experiences of rehabilitation that exist in the world, we can put certain measures in place. As I mentioned, prison is a masculine environment and female prisoners are in the minority.‌

Women are mentally damaged in prison. They need time to heal their wounds. Therefore, in programs to empower female prisoners, we should not cut off their connection with society. They should be able to easily return to society after completing their sentence. In this regard, the role of media is influential. Have we ever seen television portray the life of a female prisoner in a film, with all its ups and downs? Has it ever been discussed how families and society should interact with female prisoners? Should we close all doors of life for female prisoners and keep them forever locked up in a closed place?

We must turn prisons into a place for education, behavior analysis, and empowerment of incarcerated women. In other words, prisons can be a place for building individuals. We need to investigate the reasons behind women’s crimes. Was it due to depression and mental health issues, or other problems? All of these require us to open the doors of prisons and allow people and incarcerated women to interact with each other.

Can the rights of incarcerated women be fundamentally different?

We must consider the spectrum of incarcerated women, including pregnant, disabled, elderly, and young girls, and gradually address their problems with the help of community organizations, as each group has specific needs. The situation of incarcerated women is complicated and hidden behind special conditions, and with precise programs, we can help them return to society. For example, a incarcerated mother may have a young child who cannot be taken care of due to the prison’s geographical environment.

If a mother wants to bring her child to prison and take care of them, she will face many challenges. This is while we should prepare women after their release; challenges such as societal and familial discrimination, social and personal issues. It seems that the role of non-governmental organizations is important in this matter. That is, prisons should use NGOs as a civil arm in cultural and educational planning. For example, a woman who enters society after serving 10 years in prison, faces a different world.

Therefore, social and family support after their release is important. On the other hand, we have female political prisoners. Women who are critical of the current situation and have been imprisoned for it. They may have children. We must look at this issue in a humane way. Just as we are mothers and fathers and have children and are with them, it is not their right to not have interaction with their children. We must consider not only female political and social prisoners, but also women who have committed crimes like theft due to poverty. We must make more efforts in terms of location and design of women’s prisons. In fact, we must have a desirable perspective on these issues. Naturally, there are successful models of women’s prisons in the world that we should learn from. Women’s prisons should be designed in a way that is different from male prisons and suitable for women.

Can the impact of prison on women with different crimes be different? Is there a difference between the experiences of regular prisoners and political-security prisoners, or prisoners associated with drug crimes or financial prisoners?

When a person enters prison, it means limitation. It means that you are removed from your daily life, which you used to live according to a specific routine. It means experiencing things that are different from all the experiences you have had. Therefore, life in prison is very different from life outside of prison. So, it is natural that regardless of the type and form of crime committed, with a change in daily life, limitations are created and prisoners do not have their natural life. Going to prison means a new experience and a new life, and encountering people you have never experienced before. In other words, it is like a new beginning in a new place, regardless of whether the outcome is good or bad. However, the impact of prison on individuals with different crimes can also be different. In any case, someone who is accused or convicted of political-security crimes is different from someone whose crime is drug-related or theft, and their behavior towards them should also be different. A woman who is in

Being a woman in pursuing the rights of a prisoner in Iran creates a significant difference.

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In societies like Iran where gender inequality is prevalent and gender discrimination against women is seen at all levels of society, it is natural that when a woman is imprisoned, her rights may or may not be taken seriously. Depending on the type of prison structure, this issue can vary. In some prisons, depending on the warden, these rights may be taken more seriously.‌

It is followed up or vice versa. This happens in society as well, and even in parliament, women representatives are following in the footsteps of men and the laws that are passed are essentially based on a masculine spirit. In our society, there are different types of women living. Women prisoners are also one type of these women. A woman enters prison for any reason. What facilities does she have to pursue her rights? If she does not have a lawyer or does not have the necessary resources, can she pursue these rights alone and seriously? In this regard, I believe that serious research should be done on how effective being a woman is in pursuing human rights. However, I think that unequal treatment towards women is fundamentally prominent at a macro, medium, and micro level. When a woman enters prison, she is labeled, which also challenges her pursuit of rights as a woman.

Why do you believe that women’s prisons have a masculine model and that the psychological damage to women in prison is greater?‌

Is it dark?

“We live in a patriarchal society; meaning a society where a masculine spirit and perspective reigns everywhere. Additionally, I believe that our governing system fundamentally has a masculine perspective. For this reason, the architecture of our society, both outside and inside prisons, is designed and built for men. For example, in parks, there are more facilities and amenities for men.”‌

It is intended for men to be considered more important than women. This same perspective is also prevalent in prisons. There is more discussion about psychological damage.‌

It is natural for women prisoners to experience this. Even the lack of facilities or masculine architecture that I mentioned can cause psychological damage. Also, for example, consider a woman who has not been able to pass her check or has an addiction or any other reason that, depending on the crime they have committed, each of them has a unique life experience in prison, but that same woman can also be a mother. She can be a pillar for her own family who, for whatever reason, is now in prison. Imagine the state of mind and soul of these women prisoners. Without a doubt, they are affected.

Another point is that in our society, when it is said that a woman has been in prison (regardless of political prisoners who have been imprisoned for their political struggles), this is considered a stigma and label for women. When she comes out of prison, the community, including relatives, friends, and even her own family members, do not treat her with compassion. This in itself is one of the important reasons and contributing factors to psychological damage.

And the final word?

Women prisoners need help. Representatives and media should not forget them. The imprisonments and sentences that are imposed on women should be replaced depending on the type of crime. There should be alternatives to imprisonment. These alternative punishments should be able to integrate with society and help them overcome the loneliness and isolation that is created for them in prisons, especially for women who are imprisoned for long periods of time.

Thank you for the opportunity you have provided with the peace line.