The Maltese prison system and the educational opportunities for women in CCF : What must be done to have a prison system that facilitates the needs for women by promoting educational development?

Abstract

This research study aims to illuminate the progress that has been done up until now in relation to prison education for female inmates in Malta and Trapani. This is due to the fact that up until today no research in Malta has ever solely focused on female inmates. This dissertation is also motivated by the question – “What must be done to have a prison system that facilitates the needs for women by promoting educational development?” It also investigates the effects of why female inmates fall behind on educational opportunities. Thus, this dissertation is going to examine the relationship between gender and education, while also emphasizing the need for improvement in this sphere. According to Daly and Chesney- Lind, women should not be appendages to men, they should be at the centre of intellectual enquiry. The research is based on qualitative methodology, focusing on interviews with Professionals in the field both in Malta and also in Trapani. The study reveals that even though progress was made when it comes to educational opportunities for female inmates, this was not enough. Principal focus and attention needs to be given to increase the opportunities so that they become in line with those available in the males’ section. Moreover, the prison management needs to also find ways and means of how to motivate female inmates so that they start engaging in courses in larger numbers in the first place.