THE global female prison population is growing at a faster rate than that of men. While women still represent a smaller percentage of the total prison population in most countries, at the global level, the number of incarcerated females has increased by 33 per cent, compared to a 25pc rise in the number of male prisoners.

Narcotics-related crimes are the primary reason for women’s imprisonment worldwide. Globally, 35pc of incarcerated women are imprisoned for narcotics-related offences, compared to 19pc men.

In Pakistan, there has been a 2.8pc increase in the female prison population, with 1,550 female inmates making up 1.5pc of the total prison population in 2024. Of the total, 73.41pc are under trial. Across Pakistan, 375 female prisoners have been detained under narcotics-related charges, according to the Narcotics Offences Factsheet 2025, released by Justice Project Pakistan.

Men are more likely to use drugs than women, making up over three-quarters of drug users worldwide, according to a 2024 UNODC report. However, women are increasingly being imprisoned for drug-related offences.

Women here remain unaware of their legal rights.

This is due to gender-based discrimination within the criminal........

© Dawn