The need for gender-responsive reforms in correctional facilities that uphold women’s rights, strengthen family, community peace, and advance Nigeria women’s peace has been stressed as committee members of Women, Peace and Security and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law paid advocacy visits to the Comptroller of Correctional Service in Imo State.
Speaking on behalf of the two bodies, Mrs. Nnennaya Eneremadu harped on the need to protect women’s rights and dignity, gender-responsive treatment and safety for women in detention.
She said, “Access to health, psychosocial, and rehabilitation services, getting female officers to be part of decision making in the Service, reducing undue detention and quick dispensation of justice and ensuring 35% affirmative action in employment will go a long way in closing the gaps”.
She said there’s need to embed WPS principles in justice and security institutions, position correctional facilities as partners in peace and equality, recognize family impact of male incarceration and acknowledging the burdens on women and girls when fathers, sons, or brothers are detained.
“The provision of gender-sensitive WASH and sanitary provisions, standard washroom facilities for women detainees, providing access to sanitary pads and hygiene materials is part of our advocacy demand,” she said.
Eneremadu urged the Correctional Service to commit to gender-sensitive reforms in correctional practices, establish a joint working group with civil society committees, align policies with Nigeria’s obligations under the WPS framework and 35% affirmative action policy while upholding dignity, strengthening of justice delivery, and contribution to sustainable peace in Imo State and beyond.
The Controller of Correctional Service Imo State command, Michael Okechukwu Okorie noted that the Service is carrying women along in decision making.
“We are gender sensitive. We appreciate and reward capabilities irrespective of the sex. We take extra care of women, disabled persons and foreign nationals,” he added,
He urged good-spirited individuals to support the inmates by making kind donations and insisted government cannot do it alone.
He said the service is committed to working with WPS and ACJL committees for better partnership in supporting and advocating issues concerning women in uniforms.