Hope Behind Bars



NGOCC applauds Mwembeshi female facility upgrade, urges nationwide prison reforms to uphold dignity of women inmates

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24, (June 13, 2026) – The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has commended the Government and the for operationalising the and relocating more than 140 female inmates from .

NGOCC Executive Director Anne Mbewe-Anamela told Zambia24 that the development marks a significant milestone in improving the welfare, dignity, and living conditions of women in conflict with the law.

She said the new facility provides improved sanitation, better healthcare services, and more humane living conditions, including dedicated accommodation for pregnant inmates and mothers with circumstantial children.

Ms Mbewe-Anamela noted that the upgrade aligns with international standards, including the and the , which emphasize humane treatment of prisoners and special protection for women.

She further said the development responds to findings raised in NGOCC’s 2022 report, which highlighted substandard conditions for women and circumstantial children in correctional facilities across the country.

While welcoming the progress, NGOCC has urged Government to extend similar reforms to other correctional facilities nationwide and to domesticate the into national law to strengthen protection for women’s rights.

The relocation of inmates to Mwembeshi is also expected to ease congestion at Lusaka Central Correctional Facility, which had been operating beyond its intended capacity.

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