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Description
After someone commits a criminal act, it is difficult to accept that the same person can be a victim of human rights’ violations in prison. Women in prison are discriminated against based on their gender, age and ethnicity. Because of stigma and negative public opinion, they do not report rights violations and rare civil-society organisations support them. In this project, the Association for Creative Social Work, two university faculties, Roda and the KUN Association from Norway will strengthen the advocacy position of civil-society organisations active in the field of prisoner’s human rights and will empower 24 incarcerated women and underaged girls who are at risk of discrimination during resocialisation. The Temida project will include activities like the development of advocacy tools – a thematic report on female prisoners’ human rights, a comparative analysis, advocacy and organising a visit of members of parliament to Požega Prison. Additionally, it will work directly with prisoners to strengthen their rights in parenting, reproductive health and labour law. The Faculties of Law, Education and Rehabilitation will conduct a study on discrimination of underage prisoners. This project will impact public opinion and decision makers on the need to provide protections to vulnerable groups of female prisoners. Civil society organisations will increase their capacities in the area of advocacy and networking, and will have an improved perspective and understanding of problems that female prisoners experience, especially Roma women. Finally, the content in university-courses on Penal Sciences at the partner university faculties will be increased, with a direct effect on educational outcomes and student awareness.
Summary of project results
The project "Temida - Capacity Building for CSOs to Protect the Human Rights of Women" focused on addressing several critical issues faced by female prisoners and juvenile offenders in Croatia, issues that had previously been neglected. It aimed to create an evidence-based advocacy tool to protect human rights and improve access to services for this vulnerable group. At the same time, it sought to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs) to work more effectively with these specific populations.
One of the major challenges the project aimed to tackle was the lack of comprehensive research on the needs of prisoners and juvenile offenders in Croatia. Before this project, there were no extensive studies examining their specific needs within correctional facilities. To address this gap, the project conducted qualitative research, which identified and analyzed critical factors that affect the violation of their rights.
Another key issue was the marginalization of prisoners within institutional practices. Female prisoners and juvenile offenders often faced limited access to educational and vocational programs, as well as specialized services. To address these deficiencies, the project provided direct support through a series of workshops designed to empower these individuals and prepare them for reintegration into society.
The project also aimed to overcome the limited awareness and capacity of CSOs in supporting this group. Previously, CSOs had been minimally involved in assisting prisoners due to a lack of capacity and prevailing prejudices. To address this, the project focused on building the capacity of CSOs through education, knowledge sharing, and specialized training on international human rights standards.
The project developed an advocacy tool based on both qualitative and quantitative research, and it analyzed international recommendations and the legislative framework in Croatia. This tool was intended to advocate for improvements within the prison system. Additionally, the project involved various stakeholders, such as decision-makers and relevant authorities, to gain a better understanding of the issues and encourage concrete improvements. Through these efforts, the project not only strengthened the capacities of CSOs and directly supported vulnerable groups but also promoted systemic changes through advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
The project aimed to bolster human rights protections for female prisoners and juvenile offenders by enhancing NGO networking both locally and across borders, implementing innovative advocacy activities, and promoting these groups'' rights. A significant achievement was the event at Požega Penitentiary, where representatives from all Ombudsman offices in Croatia came together to exchange experiences on safeguarding the rights of female prisoners and juveniles. Additionally, the project involved 55 female prisoners and reached 95,418 citizens through a media campaign centered on human rights and tolerance.
The project’s research efforts were comprehensive, including both qualitative and quantitative studies. Qualitative research involved semi-structured interviews with ten adult female prisoners, focusing on their rights related to reproductive health, parenting, education, and post-incarceration employment. This research aimed to spark dialogue and influence policy changes, with recommendations for regular educational programs, improved prison communication, and peer mentorship. Quantitative research, conducted with 51 prisoners using a standardized questionnaire, assessed various aspects of prison life, highlighting the need for educational activities and ongoing evaluation to improve prison conditions. The project also featured a comparative analysis of international practices, particularly Norway''s legal system and policies on gender equality and prisoners'' rights, to provide models for improving local practices.
In March 2024, the project published a thematic report compiling research findings and recommendations to enhance female prisoners'' rights in Croatia. The report included good practices and insights from Norway, aiming to raise awareness and drive changes in the Croatian prison system. Following this, a workshop on international human rights standards was held, involving 16 representatives from eight NGOs, which strengthened their understanding and advocacy efforts.
Several workshops were organized for inmates at Požega Penitentiary. Mindfulness workshops, led by a psychologist, were held over nine sessions with eight female inmates, including two Roma women, effectively reducing stress and encouraging social reintegration. Reproductive health workshops included a session on intimate relationships and consent for five young women at the Požega Educational Home and another for adult female inmates focusing on sexual health protection and gynecological care. A parenting challenges workshop, attended by 13 inmates, child protection representatives, and a member of parliament, addressed parenting difficulties and provided valuable insights for policymakers. Job market preparation workshops, conducted for both juveniles and adult inmates, equipped participants with skills and knowledge for entering the job market and preparing for post-incarceration employment, receiving positive feedback.
To foster intergenerational solidarity and intercultural dialogue, the project organized workshops among inmates. One focused on intercultural dialogue with Roma inmates, while another addressed parenting issues between older and younger inmates, enhancing mutual support and understanding. An important advocacy activity was a visit by members of parliament and ombudspersons to the Požega Penitentiary, aimed at deepening their understanding of prisoners'' issues and addressing discriminatory practices within the prison.
The project’s public awareness activities culminated in an online event where the thematic report and research results were presented to 44 key stakeholders, including NGOs, institutions, and academic representatives. This event facilitated discussions on improving human rights for prisoners.
Organizational capacity building was also a major focus, with workshops on preventing workplace burnout, mindfulness, digital communication, Roma culture, funding human rights projects, and strategic planning. These workshops aimed to enhance the skills of staff and volunteers. Additionally, workshops on penological psychology and penitentiary law provided an in-depth understanding of the prison system, prisoner rights, and post-penal reintegration challenges, aiming to improve support for former inmates.
The "Temida" project significantly advanced the understanding and protection of the human rights of female prisoners in Croatia. Through research, educational activities, and workshops, the project raised awareness about the specific needs of female prisoners, enhanced the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) to advocate for their rights, and laid the groundwork for future initiatives and collaborations. These efforts strengthened the human rights sector and improved institutional support for female prisoners. It directly supported 55 prisoners, including 18 Roma women and 7 juveniles, exceeding its targets and demonstrating the critical need for such initiatives. The project’s activities will contribute to better quality of life for prisoners post-incarceration and have created lasting impacts on both the prisoners and the organizations advocating for their rights.
The project produced several notable outcomes for its beneficiaries. Research on the quality of life for prisoners at Požega Penitentiary identified key factors impacting their well-being, such as dissatisfaction with work activities, education, and mental health. These findings led to concrete recommendations for improving prison conditions, guiding future activities and advocacy efforts.
The project had a notable impact on inmates at the Požega Educational Home and Požega Penitentiary through various workshops. Job market preparation workshops for juveniles increased their awareness of workplace rights and improved their readiness for labor market challenges, leading to enhanced self-esteem and better reintegration prospects. A workshop on intimate relationships and consent helped young female inmates understand their rights and personal empowerment, with participants giving high ratings to the program. Reproductive health workshops for women in the Požega Penitentiary improved their understanding of healthcare rights and highlighted the need for ongoing health education. A workshop on Roma culture enhanced the understanding of cultural challenges faced by Roma women in prison, fostering a more inclusive environment. Mindfulness workshops provided inmates with stress management techniques, significantly benefiting their mental health and coping skills.
The project significantly increased the visibility of the Beneficiary, Creative Social Work Association (CSWA), and opened up new opportunities for collaboration with the prison system. One of the key achievements was building trust within the prison system, particularly in the area of advocacy, which is often a sensitive topic. This was Beneficiary''s first advocacy project, and the team learned a lot throughout the implementation. Their partnership with th partnering organization RODA proved to be invaluable in strengthening their advocacy capacities. Without RODA’s involvement, CSWA would not have been as successful. Through this experience, the organization realized that providing direct support to users is not enough without accompanying advocacy efforts. The project was also highly beneficial for RODA, as it allowed them to engage in advocacy work directly within the prison system, which had previously been difficult for them. They had challenges accessing individuals in correctional facilities, but this project enabled them to work closely with female prisoners. The partnership between the organizations proved to be a strong and effective combination.
Decision-makers now have a detailed understanding of the specific challenges and obstacles that female prisoners face. This insight was gained through activities such as presenting thematic reports and visits to the Požega Penitentiary and the Požega Educational Home. These efforts are expected to lead to more informed legislative and administrative changes, ultimately improving living conditions and ensuring better protection of prisoners'' rights.
The visits to the penitentiary and educational home also heightened awareness among prison staff about the specific needs of female prisoners, especially regarding gender-sensitive issues. This increased awareness is paving the way for direct changes within the prison system, including the enhancement of existing practices and the introduction of new protective measures.
Networking between civil society organizations (CSOs) and parliamentary representatives strengthened the connections between civil society and political figures, creating a platform for ongoing communication and consultation. This interaction was particularly valuable for exchanging experiences and insights into communication with prisoners. Over time, this will likely increase the impact of civil society on shaping policies related to prisoners'' human rights. Moreover, the project improved the knowledge of CSOs through training and active participation in research processes, thereby enhancing their capacity to advocate effectively and support prisoners. This strengthened capacity will enable CSOs to better address human rights challenges and reinforce their role in society.
The project partners established cooperation with four Croatian ombudspersons who all appreciated the opportunity to visit Požega prison and meet female prisoners. Typically, only the general ombudsperson is required to visit prisons, but this project provided a rare opportunity for other ombudspersons to visit together, strengthening their connections.
Public awareness was significantly raised through social media campaigns and the publication of research results, including an article titled "Women in Prisons." The dissemination of project results has significantly increased public awareness of the issues faced by female prisoners. This heightened awareness could potentially lead to reforms and the establishment of fairer conditions within the prison system in the long term.
The project fostered new partnerships and collaborations of the implemetig organizations with key institutions, such as ERF, the Social Work Study Center, the Human Rights House, and other key stakeholders. These collaborations expanded the project’s reach and set the stage for future joint efforts in advancing human rights within the prison system. Especially important outcome was the connection established with academic institutions through research activities. The research questionnaire used in the project gained recognition from academic circles, and there are plans to translate and adapt the entire questionnaire for use in Croatian conditions.
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership with the Norwegian organization KUN Center for Equality and Diversity significantly enhanced the project by providing access to best practices for protecting prisoners'' rights, drawing from the Norwegian system. This collaboration resulted in a comprehensive document on the status of prisoners'' rights in Norway, focusing on gender equality and protection. The exchange of knowledge between the two organizations strengthened bilateral relations. Although there was limited interest from the Norwegian partner in the situation in Croatia, future plans include studying visits and further exchanges of experts to improve organizational capacities and continue implementing similar initiatives.