On August 9, 2024, the Union of Latin American Parties (UPLA) Women's Network convened at the Hilton Garden Inn in Montevideo, Uruguay, to address the pressing issues facing women deprived of freedom. Among the distinguished speakers was Psychologist Nibia Pizzo, the president of Global Peace Women (GPW) Uruguay, who shared insights and data that highlighted the challenges and potential pathways for rehabilitating incarcerated women in Uruguay.
During her presentation, Pizzo revealed alarming statistics about the prison population in Uruguay. Over the past two years, the overall prison population in the country has surged by 32%, with a notable 16.8% increase in the female prison population in just the last year. These figures reflect broader social and economic challenges, including the intersection of gender, poverty, and crime, particularly drug trafficking, which is the most common offense leading to the incarceration of women in Uruguay.
The GPW Uruguay chapter has been working diligently for the past two years to support and uplift women in prison. Collaborating with professionals from various disciplines, the chapter has focused on understanding the unique challenges these women face. Pizzo’s presentation shed light on the specificities of the incarcerated female population, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions that consider the complex factors contributing to their arrest.
The presentation sparked significant interest among the Latin American delegates present, including several deputies and senators from various states across the continent. The discussion centered on how to effectively project positive changes for incarcerated women and reverse the trends leading to their imprisonment. The need for holistic approaches that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and limited economic opportunities, was underscored as essential to creating lasting change.
Global Peace Women (GPW) has long been committed to promoting peace and fostering a culture of empathy and compassion through its various initiatives worldwide. The work of the GPW Uruguay Chapter is a prime example of how we seek to empower women, even those in the most vulnerable situations, by providing them with the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives.
Through our work, we strive to empower and ensure that all women, regardless of their circumstances, are given opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute positively to society. By addressing the unique needs of incarcerated women and working to reduce recidivism through education, vocational training, and psychological support, GPW Uruguay is contributing to a more peaceful and just world. GPW Uruguay is helping to transform the lives of incarcerated women, offering them hope and a path to a better future. This work not only benefits the women themselves but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a more peaceful and equitable society for all.
