Experts warn of global crisis' as number of women in prison nears one million

"Up to a million women worldwide are facing sexual violence and forced labour in prisons, where they are overlooked and forgotten, in what is being called a growing global crisis. The number of incarcerated women is rising much faster than men and is expected to surpass one million on current trends. While on average women account for between 2% and 9% of national prison populations, since 2000 the number imprisoned has grown by 57%, compared with a 22% increase in the men's prison population."

"We are facing a global crisis, said Olivia Rope, executive director at Penal Reform International. If you look at the rate of growth compared to men in prison, it is really alarming. Women are often an afterthought, and they face very harsh, difficult conditions where their needs are unmet in most cases."

"Fifteen years ago, UN member states adopted the Bangkok Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders. They were the first set of international guidelines to address the situation of incarcerated women. While there has been some limited progress since, many aspects are still ignored or overlooked, according to Rope."

Up to one million women face sexual violence, forced labour and severe neglect in prisons as female incarceration grows rapidly. Since 2000 the number of imprisoned women has increased by 57%, compared with a 22% rise for men, and women now represent roughly 2–9% of national prison populations. Poverty, prior abuse and discriminatory laws disproportionately push women into prison for petty theft, begging, drug offences and informal work. International guidelines (the Bangkok Rules) exist but compliance is limited and accountability is weak, leaving many women exposed to beatings, sexual abuse and coerced labour.

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