Global Agreement Reached to Strengthen Justice for Women and Girls

Nations have committed at the UN Commission on the Status of Women to address the underlying drivers of female incarceration, including poverty, domestic violence, and discriminatory laws, in recognition that women's prison populations have grown 57% since 2000 while receiving far less attention than male incarceration rates.

The agreement provides an international framework for tackling root causes rather than simply expanding prison capacity, acknowledging that many women are imprisoned for survival-related crimes stemming from economic desperation, abusive relationships, or legal systems that criminalize poverty and mental health issues.

Key commitments include reviewing laws that disproportionately affect women, such as those criminalizing adultery, drug use, or economic activities that women rely on for survival. Countries also pledged to expand diversion programs, mental health services, and domestic violence protections as alternatives to incarceration.

The focus on prevention reflects growing evidence that addressing child marriage, property rights, and economic empowerment can significantly reduce the factors that lead women into conflict with criminal justice systems. Countries with stronger gender equality and social safety nets typically have lower female incarceration rates.