Gender-responsive rehabilitation in South African correctional facilities: Addressing the unique needs of incarcerated women

Ernest Ramokone LekalakalaeORCID iD 

Issue: Vol. 7 No.9 2026 Article 13 pp.2655 – 2670
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20267913Published online 28th October 2026

© 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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Women constitute a minority within South African correctional facilities; however, their experiences of incarceration are distinct, shaped by gendered vulnerabilities, histories of trauma, and socio-economic marginalisation. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and international obligations under the Bangkok Rules and CEDAW, rehabilitation programs remain largely male-oriented, overlooking women’s specific needs. This study critically examines the importance of gender-responsive rehabilitation in South African prisons, emphasising how tailored interventions can promote rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and support reintegration. The objectives were to (i) assess the extent to which existing rehabilitation programmes address the needs of incarcerated women, (ii) identify gaps in policy and practice, and (iii) propose a framework for gender-responsive interventions aligned with international standards. A qualitative research design was employed, drawing on policy analysis, semi-structured interviews with correctional officials, and a thematic review of the secondary literature. The findings reveal that while rehabilitation services exist, they are predominantly modelled on male offenders, neglecting issues such as maternal care, trauma recovery, gender-based violence, and vocational training relevant to women’s socio-economic realities. Limited resources, institutional bias, and inadequate policy enforcement further constrain effective service delivery. The study concludes that adopting gender-responsive rehabilitation not only advances human rights but also enhances correctional outcomes by addressing the lived realities of women. This study highlights the intersection between gender and corrections, offering evidence-based recommendations to policymakers and reinforcing the need for inclusive correctional strategies that align with South Africa’s constitutional and international obligations.

Keywords: Gender-responsive Rehabilitation, Women Offenders, South African Correctional Facilities,  Rights in Corrections, Bangkok Rules.

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Dikeledi Vanessa Mashabe is currently a PhD student at the Central University of Technology. Her research area includes holistic education with a focus on all aspects which affect the teaching and learning processes. She is a teacher by profession.  Previously, she worked for the Department of Basic Education as a teacher and as an acting Department Head. She also served as a part-time lecturer in the Department of Educational and Professional Studies.

Prof. Awelani Rambuda is an Associate Professor in the Department of Postgraduate Studies: Education within the Faculty of Humanities. He teaches research methodology to students enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Bachelor of Education Honours (BEd Hons) programmes. Prof. Rambuda previously served as department manager for three academic units at CUT’s Welkom Campus: the Department of Educational and Professional Studies, Department of Language and Social Sciences Education, and Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education. He also chaired the Departmental Research Committee (DRC) during this tenure. His research interests include enquiry-based teaching and learning and the application of science process skills in education.

Pastor Dr. C Mphojane is currently working at Central University of Technology, Free State as the Head of Department, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of School-Based Learning/Teaching Practice. Her research interests include Microteaching, School-Based Learning, as well as Leadership & Management. She is also a fully-fledged ordained Pastor registered with SACOFF.  Previously, she worked for the Department of Basic Education as the Department Head, Deputy Principal and School Principal.

Lekalakala, Ernest Ramokone. “Gender-Responsive rehabilitation in South African correctional facilities: Addressing the unique needs of incarcerated women.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 7, no.9 (2026): 2655 – 2670. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20267913

© 2026 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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