'Alarming': Female prison population rises by 100,000 in past decade

By Hannah Summers / The Guardian

The number of women being jailed globally has increased by more than 100,000 in the past decade, despite international rules aimed at reducing the female prison population.

New data released by Penal Reform International around the 10th anniversary of the “Bangkok Rules” adopted by the UN show there are now 741,000 women and girls in prison.

“The number of women in prison globally is climbing at an alarming rate – even though they are typically convicted of low-level, nonviolent crime,” said Olivia Rope, executive director of Penal Reform International.

The organisation’s research highlights a lack of progress, with women unduly imprisoned in numerous countries.

More than 80 organisations have signed a call to action for governments to fully implement the rules and review policies to reduce the number of women behind bars.