Gender Issues Behind Bars: Insights for a Sustainable Wellbeing Plan

Abstract

Philippines is one of the countries, where understanding and awareness of gender and development issues and concerns have evolved from a conventional perspective to a more openly discussed topic. This study explored the gender issues and gaps in terms of legal protection, medical care, and religious freedom faced by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Kalibo, Aklan for a sustainable well-being plan. A descriptive-qualitative approach leaning on intrinsic case study design was utilized. A researcher-made interview guide was employed in data gathering. The informants were the twelve (12) PDLs at the BJMP, who have been detained for at least six (6) months through purposive sampling technique. The data gathering was approximately 30 days. The researcher interviewed the informant face-to-face following strict appointment from the authorities of BJMP Kalibo, and health and safety protocols relative to COVID-19. A Thematic Analysis Approach was used. The gender issues found were slow process during trials, delayed service of service, lack of medical facilities inside the jail. Among the gaps were the delay in justice system, bullying, discrimination, other crimes and abuses in BJMP, and unmet needs in terms of medical and health care facilities and services. A Sustainable Wellbeing Plan that would benefit the PDLs of BJMP Kalibo contains comprehensive and inclusive actions to take to at least alleviate the conditions of the PDLs.