adminTanaka Mahanya
FEMALE inmates have been urged to upgrade themselves while in incarceration to enable them to pursue their careers when they leave prison.
Speaking at an International Women’s Day celebration at Marondera Female Open Prison yesterday, Female Open Prison Trust chairperson, Roselyn Charehwa, said women were key in everyday life.
“Inmates deserve a fair share of opportunities with those in the outside world, as we work to ensure that no one is left behind.
“Had it not been for women, we would not be here.
“I want to encourage all female inmates to desist from committing crime when they leave this place.”
She said they were working on empowering female inmates to enable them to sustain themselves after they leave prison.
“At the moment, the women have access to computers donated by POTRAZ to ensure that they are not left out digitally.
“It is possible to pursue your careers while in prison.”
Charehwa said women in prison should not be judged based on the crimes they have committed.
“We cannot judge women in prison because mostly they would have committed crimes of passion, which usually involve men.
“Our research has shown that 90 percent of women in prison have committed crimes of passion.
“Where there is a woman, there is development.
“Let us take this opportunity to build ourselves socially and academically,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, the Deputy Officer commanding Mashonaland East police, Assistant Commissioner Mavis Mubvumbi, said Women’s Day gives all women the opportunity to celebrate their success.
“The day signifies the importance of women, and how important they are in our everyday lives despite being in jail.
“Even those in jail have played important roles in their children’s lives.
“This is why we have come up with this initiative of empowering women through projects,” she said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter