Nkambule Ellen Samwiri, Mbakaya Balwani Chingatichifwe
Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi.
Department of Public Health, University of Livingstonia, Mzuzu, Malawi.
BMC Womens Health. 2025 Jan 9;25(1):14. doi: 10.1186/s12905-025-03545-1.
In Malawi, women in prisons make up 2.7% of the total prison population. However, the experiences of women incarcerated are not well documented in the literature. We aim to describe the experiences of women incarcerated in a Malawian prison facility. We will concentrate on the qualitative findings that highlight the unique perspectives of these women, including those in which they are imprisoned alongside their children, as well as the larger implications for child welfare and prison policy.
A qualitative approach using descriptive study design was used to explore the experiences of incarcerated women in prisons in Malawi. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven incarcerated women (n = 7). The interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide, and the data were analyzed manually using thematic analysis.
The following four themes emerged from the data: the burden of conviction, prison as a traumatic environment, health insecurity and perceptions regarding release from prison. Participants reported that being convicted caused significant psychosocial stress. The incarcerated women stated that they are subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment. The prison conditions are poor. The nutrition is inadequate for both incarcerated women and their children. Incarcerated women look forward to their release, citing that they have been transformed and are optimistic about their new lives. Prison living made them calmer and more patient. Others express concern that the stigma of incarceration will inhibit their ability to reconnect with the community upon release.
Understanding women's experiences in Malawian prisons can inform policy and improve standards of living for incarcerated women in Malawian prisons.
在马拉维，监狱中的女性占监狱总人口的2.7%。然而，关于被监禁女性的经历在文献中记载并不充分。我们旨在描述在马拉维一所监狱设施中被监禁女性的经历。我们将专注于定性研究结果，这些结果突出了这些女性的独特观点，包括她们与孩子一同被监禁的情况，以及对儿童福利和监狱政策的更大影响。
采用描述性研究设计的定性方法来探索马拉维监狱中被监禁女性的经历。对七名被监禁女性（n = 7）进行了深入访谈。访谈遵循半结构化访谈指南，数据采用主题分析法进行人工分析。
数据中出现了以下四个主题：定罪的负担、作为创伤环境的监狱、健康不安全以及对出狱的看法。参与者报告称，被定罪造成了重大的心理社会压力。被监禁女性表示她们遭受不人道和有辱人格的待遇。监狱条件很差。被监禁女性及其子女的营养都不足。被监禁女性期待出狱，称她们已经改过自新，对新生活持乐观态度。监狱生活使她们更平静、更有耐心。其他人则担心监禁的污名会阻碍她们出狱后重新融入社区的能力。
了解马拉维监狱中女性的经历可为政策提供参考，并改善马拉维监狱中被监禁女性的生活水平。
