adminTanaka Mahanya and Ashley Mujoma
WOMEN empowerment organisations have been challenged to consider the women, who are in prison, when carrying out empowerment and development programmes.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Gender Services and Women Empowerment National coordinator, Chief Correctional Officer Chaplin Christine Phiri, said female inmates are often left behind in such programmes.
She said this at the Women Empowerment and Expo held by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Small to Medium Enterprises Development in Harare yesterday.
“Women in prison are often left out in many empowerment programmes.
“There should be programmes and training of inmates so that they are empowered when they leave prison.
“I am, therefore, appealing to the public and Women’s Affairs Ministry to remember women in prison and not close doors without empowering them.
“Working with prisoners ensures that they do not commit the same crimes in future.”
She said many women were in prison because they have not been empowered.
“If one is into prostitution, they are also into conning people.
“Their explanation is the need to take care of their children as the fathers will not be present. “We have many women who are in jail today because they are not exposed to adequate facilities to engage in business.”
She said women should learn more about technological advancements in line with globalisation.
“The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe installed WiFi and set up computers at Marondera Female Prison.
“This goes a long way in ensuring that inmates access services which contribute to empowerment.
“The advent of the internet has made it possible for businesspeople to carry out their businesses online, hence female inmates should be part of the development.”
Online Reporter