Strengthening Rights and Conditions of Women in Prisons in Türkiye in line with International and EU Standards
Project information
The Joint Project on “Strengthening Rights and Conditions of Women in Prisons in Türkiye in line with International and EU Standards” is co-funded by the European Union and co-funded and implemented by the Council of Europe. The duration of the project is 45 months, namely between 1 January 2026 and 31 September 2029. The total budget is 4 444 450 EUR.
What is the goal and objective of the project?
The project aims to strengthen the protection of and further advance women’s rights within the penitentiary system in Türkiye by improving prison conditions for women prisoners. It also seeks to ensure respect for their human rights through the implementation of gender-sensitive and human rights-based prison management policies and practices, in line with international standards and EU best practices while strengthening the economic and social rehabilitation of women prisoners and probationers to facilitate their reintegration into society.
Who benefits from the project?
Beneficiary: Directorate General of Prisons and Detention Houses (DGPDH) of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
Final Beneficiary: Women prisoners and juveniles (girls aged between 12-18), including vulnerable groups (women with children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, Roma, foreign prisoners, etc) and women probationers.
Primary Target Groups: Staff of the DGPDH at central and local levels; prison management, staff, and multi-disciplinary teams of the pilot prisons (8 women’s and 2 mixed prisons) including healthcare staff.
Secondary Target Groups: Ministry of National Education (MoNE), Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS), Ministry of Industry and Technology, Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organisation (KOSGEB), Regional Development Agencies, Civil Monitoring Boards (CMBs), Union of Turkish Bar Associations, Civil Society
Expected outputs of the project
- Development and implementation of an integrated model of gender-sensitive and human rights-based prison management
- Improvement of the institutional framework and the capacities of penitentiary staff on gender-sensitive prison management
- Improvement of multi-sectoral cooperation between public (central, regional and local) institutions, the private sector and civil society on the rehabilitation and reintegration of women prisoners
- Strengthening the economic and social rehabilitation of women offenders and probationers in pilot prisons and probation directorates
Project documentation
Useful information
Assessment Missions Review Rehabilitation, Social Reintegration, Prison Management and Staff Training Practices for Women in Prisons in Türkiye
A series of three assessment missions were carried out across Türkiye in 2026 with the overall aim to assess the needs of women prisoners and support the development of a gender-sensitive and human rights-based prison management model. The missions examined a range of issues, including...
First Assessment Mission Conducted on Women in Prisons in Türkiye
An assessment mission focusing on the needs of women prisoners in Türkiye was carried out between 4 and 8 May 2026. Drawing on the expertise of two international consultants, the mission examined key aspects of women’s detention conditions, including access to healthcare, safety and dignity, ...
Launch of a New European Union and Council of Europe Joint Programme to Strengthen the Rights and Conditions of Women in Prisons in Türkiye
A new joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe, entitled “Strengthening the Rights and Conditions of Women in Prisons in Türkiye in line with International and EU Standards”, was officially launched on 31 March 2026 at the Ulucanlar Museum in Ankara. The event brought...
European Prison Rules
CPDL Highlights
