English Title

Abstract

The absence of a gender perspective in the formulation and development of supposedly gender neutral public policies of the correctional system, leads to a vision and implementation of policies that only relate to and serve incarcerated men. This implies denying and neutralizing the particular needs of women, specifically those related to their maternity, which is a violation of human rights. This situation cannot be dealt with using the traditional methods of the legislature, the correctional system, the academy, and of social workers, all of which understand the correctional system for women as if it were the same as that of incarcerated men without taking into consideration the needs of women. The development of a philosophy and justice policies must have as its starting point the persons concerned: incarcerated women and incarcerated mothers. The experiences ofthese women have to be taken into consideration. Incarcerated women must be listened to and must be recognized as human beings capable of articulating proposals and alternatives to their present situation. The way incarcerated women and their maternity is dealt with needs to be transformed. Not to do it means inequality and injustice will continue to exist "in the name of justice and the security of the nation."