Female MPs support female prisoners

The Parliamentary Women’s Caucus has donated 84 cartons of washing soap and 84 wrappers worth about K5 million to inmates at Kachere Women Prison in Lilongwe.

The donation was made on Thursday during the Caucus’ oversight visit to assess the welfare and living conditions of inmates and prison warders, with a focus on health and sanitation.

Caucus Chairperson Mary Maulidi Khembo said the visit had helped women parliamentarians understand the challenges facing inmates, including access to legal representation and the welfare of mothers living with their children in prison.

Khembo also commended prison warders for maintaining high standards of cleanliness at the facility.

Kachere Women Prison currently houses 84 inmates, 42 of whom are on remand, while six are mothers staying with their children.

The prison also offers education and vocational training in areas such as tailoring, cosmetics and beautification.