Transitional Houses for Women

Following a request by MOWA, UNIFEM has developed the concept of transitional houses for women who have recently completed prison sentences and do not have a safe place to go. This proposal has been endorsed by UNAMA and UNODC as well as all stake-holders.

The idea for the establishment of these houses was presented by MOWA through a concern that women being released from prison on pardon were unable to secure arrangements for a safe place to stay.

Current Conditions for Women

In particular, women incarcerated for ‘honour crimes’, or instances involving their or their husband's family, are unable to find safe places to go. Established shelters often refuse to take these women on the grounds that they could have a negative influence on the other residents.

In the past a number of these women have been killed when they returned to their homes. However, it is believed that many women may return to their homes and families safely through a process of mediation. Therefore, the use of transitional houses may be a sustainable option for women staying for a period of 6 -12 months.

 

 

 

 

 

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UNIFEM is the women’s fund at the United Nations. It provides financial and technical assistance to innovative programmes and strategies that promote women's human rights, political participation and economic security worldwide.
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