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Lived Experiences of Female Prisoners in Samar
Karizza Rochelle S. Rojas
Samar State University Catbalogan City, Samar, Philippines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.15020000022
Received: 14 February 2026; Accepted: 19 February 2026; Published: 03 March 2026
ABSTRACT
Although prison life is widely studied, the experiences of women in Philippine provincial facilities remain under-
researched. This qualitative case study explored the lived experiences of 11 pre-trial female detainees in two
provincial jails in Samar to identify gender-specific challenges within the correctional system. Semi-structured
interviews were analyzed thematically, revealing five primary themes: life before incarceration, emotional
responses, prisoners’ needs, challenges in prison life, and coping mechanisms. Results indicate that while
detainees demonstrate resilience and solidarity, they endure significant hardships, including prolonged legal
delays, family separation, and inadequate institutional support. Grounded in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and
Rogers’ humanistic theory, the analysis demonstrates how unmet psychological and physical needs undermine
inmate dignity. The study concludes that the intersection of gender and justice in provincial contexts necessitates
urgent gender-responsive policies. Significant recommendations include improving access to mental health
services, livelihood programs, and family support systems to facilitate successful rehabilitation and reintegration.
Keywords: Female inmates; Gender-responsive justice; Incarcerated women; Provincial jails; Psychosocial
survival
INTRODUCTION
While women constitute less than 10% of the incarcerated population in the Philippines (BJMP, 2022), their
presence within the penal system creates a distinct set of humanitarian and sociological challenges. Recent global
data indicates that this population is the fastest-growing demographic in the carceral system; between 2000 and
2022, the global female prison population increased by 59%, a rate that significantly outpaces the 22% increase
observed in men (Fair & Walmsley, 2022; UNODC, 2025).
In Southeast Asia, this trend is even more pronounced. Regional studies from 2020–2025 highlight that the "War
on Drugs" and punitive penalization policies have disproportionately impacted women, particularly in Thailand,
Indonesia, and the Philippines, where drug-related offenses account for a majority of female detentions (Emerald
Insight, 2020; UNODC, 2025). Unlike their male counterparts, female detainees often navigate a "double
burden" of incarceration: the loss of physical liberty and the profound disruption of gendered social roles,
particularly as primary caregivers. Abao (2019) notes that these women face unique vulnerabilities, including
reproductive health issues and enduring social stigma.
These vulnerabilities were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies conducted between 2021
and 2025 reveal that the suspension of visitation and "prison lock-ins" disproportionately harmed women’s
mental health by severing critical bonds with children and limiting access to external material support for
menstrual and reproductive hygiene (Bristol et al., 2021; Agbaria et al., 2025). In low-resource settings, this led
to what researchers now describe as a "crisis of care" where women were forced to rely on surrogate social bonds
for survival (Taylor & Francis, 2025).
Despite the establishment of the Bangkok Rules and recent regional frameworks like the ASEAN Declaration
on Gender-Responsive Implementation (2025), administrative focus in provincial jails often remains centered
on the male majority. This study addresses this critical gap by exploring the lived experiences of female detainees
in the provincial jails of Samar, aligning local findings with the global shift toward gender-responsive carceral
reform.
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Research Design
This study employed a qualitative single case study design to explore the nuanced and subjective experiences of
female detainees in a localized context (Merriam & Tisdell, 2016). This design was selected because it allows
for an in-depth, holistic interpretation of the psychosocial realities of participants within the bounded system of
provincial jails in Samar. By focusing on a single case—the experience of female incarceration in this specific
region—the research produces a rich, contextualized account that captures the interplay between individual
agency and institutional constraints.
Participants and Sampling Technique
A purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 11 pre-trial female detainees from two provincial jails in
Samar. The inclusion criteria required participants to be currently incarcerated, awaiting trial, and willing to
share their personal narratives. The sample size was determined by the principle of data saturation, where no
new themes or insights emerged from subsequent interviews. The participants varied in age, educational
attainment, and length of detention, providing a diverse spectrum of perspectives on the conditions and
challenges of the provincial penal system.
Research Instrument
The primary data collection tool was a researcher-made, semi-structured interview guide. To ensure the
instrument's validity and appropriateness, it underwent expert validation by a panel of three specialists in
psychology and criminal justice. The guide was designed to be flexible, allowing participants to narrate their
experiences freely while ensuring that core topics—such as emotional responses, institutional challenges, and
coping mechanisms—were addressed. A pilot interview was conducted with a former detainee to refine the
questions for clarity and sensitivity before the actual data collection.
Data Gathering Procedure
Data were gathered through face-to-face, in-depth interviews conducted during official jail visitation hours. Each
session lasted between 45 to 90 minutes and took place in private areas within the facility to ensure a safe
environment for disclosure. The researcher began by establishing rapport and explaining the study's objectives.
With the explicit consent of the participants, the interviews were audio-recorded and later transcribed verbatim.
Field notes were also maintained to document non-verbal cues and environmental observations that added depth
to the verbal data.
Data Analysis Procedure
The qualitative data were analyzed using the six-phase thematic analysis framework established by Braun and
Clarke (2006). This systematic process involved: (1) familiarization with the transcripts, (2) generating initial
codes, (3) searching for themes, (4) reviewing and refining themes, (5) defining and naming themes, and (6)
producing the final report. HyperResearch software was employed to assist in the management and coding of
the data. To ensure the trustworthiness and credibility of the findings, the researcher utilized member-checking,
where preliminary findings were shared with several participants to verify that the interpretations accurately
reflected their lived experiences.
Ethical Considerations
The study adhered to strict ethical protocols and received clearance from the Institutional Research Ethics
Review Committee of Samar State University. Participation was entirely voluntary, and informed consent was
obtained in the local dialect to ensure full comprehension.
To protect the anonymity and confidentiality of the detainees, pseudonyms were used throughout the manuscript,
and all identifying details were removed. Recognizing the sensitive nature of the topic, a licensed counselor was
placed on standby to provide immediate psychosocial support should any participant experience emotional
distress during the interview process.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Case Presentation
The participants of this study were non-convicted female detainees. All legal cases filed against them had already
been brought to court but remained unresolved at the time of the study, pending the court’s final decision. A
total of 11 participants were selected and arranged for interviews.
Table 1 presents the biographical profiles of the 11 female detainees, indicating their civil status, Prison-based
livelihood, highest educational attainment, occupation before incarceration, case involved, and duration of stay
in prison, the nature of their case, and duration of stay in prison.
Table 1: Respondents’ Demographic Profile
Participant
Civil
Status
Educational
Attainment
Pre-
Incarceration
Occupation
Case
Involved
Prison-
Based
Livelihood
1
Married
Elementary
Level
Farmer
Illegal
Possession of
Explosives
Candle-
making
2
Single
College
Graduate
Housekeeper
Illegal
Possession of
Explosives
Candle-
making &
Retail
3
Married
High School
Graduate
Unemployed
Robbery with
Homicide
None
4
Single
High School
Level
Seamstress
Human
Trafficking
Food Stall
5
Married
College
Graduate
Businesswoman
Violation of
Dangerous
Drugs Act
None
6
Single
College Level
Networking
Agent
Violation of
Dangerous
Drugs Act
None
7
Widowed
High School
Level
None
Kidnapping
None
8
Single
Elementary
Level
Sex worker
Human
Trafficking
None
9
Cohabiting
College Level
Unemployed
Violation of
Dangerous
Drugs Act
None
10
Married
Elementary
Level
Vendor
Human
Trafficking
Laundry
Services
11
Cohabiting
High School
Level
Housekeeper
Human
Trafficking
None
Thematic Results
Five overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) Comfort in Life before Incarceration, (2) Emotional
Responses to Incarceration, (3) Prisoners’ Needs and Priorities, (4) Challenges in Prison Life, and (5) Coping
Mechanisms.
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Theme 1: Comfort in Life Before Incarceration
Participants contrasted their current hardships with the stable lives they led prior to imprisonment. For many,
"comfort" was defined by simple freedoms and family presence. One participant recalled the joy of agricultural
life: “From the very beginning... we were happy working on the farm. I helped my parents until we were able to
have our own livelihood.” Others highlighted the financial agency they once possessed, with one woman noting
that while life outside was simple, “I could still earn money and recover. Here inside prison, there is really
nothing.” These reflections underscore how incarceration represents a "pains of imprisonment" (Sykes, 1958)
that disrupts women’s everyday roles and sense of identity (Masekoameng et al., 2023).
Theme 2: Emotional Responses to Incarceration
Subtheme A: Perceived Injustice
Feelings of being unjustly detained were common. One participant described the visceral shock of arrest: “It
truly feels very bad to be arrested, especially when you are innocent.” Others pointed toward systemic failings,
noting that many inmates are “innocent but still [detained].”
These sentiments echo critiques of the Philippine justice system, where prolonged pretrial detention fuels deep
emotional wounds (Narag, 2020).
Subtheme B: Remorse and Accountability
Conversely, some participants embraced accountability. One woman admitted, “I did not listen to my parents’
advice... That’s why I ended up here.” This reflects the "moral injury" described by Roth et al. (2022), where
regret serves as a step toward reframing one’s identity.
Subtheme C: Yearning for Connection
Separation from children was cited as the most painful aspect of confinement. One mother shared: “I really miss
my children... It breaks my heart... I just say, ‘I’ll make it up to you once I’m out.’” This mirrors findings by
Maedzenge and Beichner-Thomas (2023) regarding the persistent grief and yearning for family ties in female
carceral settings.
Theme 3: Prisoners’ Needs and Priorities
Subtheme A: Livelihood and Recreational Programs
Access to structured activity was viewed as a survival necessity. One participant stressed that “livelihood should
be for all... especially during the pandemic when no visits were allowed.” Others suggested educational reforms,
noting that studying would allow them to “keep learning despite confinement.”
Subtheme B: Reforms in the Justice System
Frustration with "justice delayed" was a recurring sentiment. One inmate lamented, “Hopefully, our hearings
will not always be rescheduled. It’s been taking too long,” while another highlighted the extreme delay of having
“only had two hearings” in over five years.
Theme 4: Challenges in Prison Life
Subtheme A: Struggles of Adaptation
Adaptation requires navigating collective punishment and interpersonal friction. One participant explained,
“Everyone is affected when some prisoners misbehave... Even we who follow the rules are punished.”
To survive, women prioritized "relational management" (Brown & Bloom, 2022), with one noting, “I stay away
from gossip and only talk about what is necessary.”
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Subtheme D: Experiences of Discrimination
The "spoiled identity" (Goffman, 1963) of the prisoner persists beyond the walls. One participant observed,
“Once they know you have been in prison, it’s as if your value as a person has diminished.”
Theme 5: Coping Mechanisms
Subtheme B: Resourcefulness and Perseverance
Women reclaimed agency through small-scale income generation. One participant shared, “I used to sell coffee...
and now I also know candle-making, which helps me save a little.” These acts of perseverance provide both
financial relief and psychological resilience (Schliehe, 2021).
Subtheme C: Acceptance of Circumstances
Long-term stayers often turned to cognitive reframing: “After almost nine years... I had no choice but to accept
my situation... I learned to accept it.”
Overall, this theme shows that female detainees are not passive recipients of incarceration but active agents who
develop practical, emotional, and spiritual strategies for survival. Through respect, resourcefulness, acceptance,
and hope, they sustained resilience in an environment marked by loss, uncertainty, and stigma.
CONCLUSION
This study explored the lived experiences of female prisoners in Samar, revealing a complex intersection of
personal resilience and systemic vulnerability.
The findings highlight the "double burden" of incarceration: the physical loss of liberty compounded by the
profound emotional strain of separation from family and the navigation of a justice system characterized by
prolonged legal processes.
Despite these hardships, the narratives demonstrate significant human agency, as seen through the women’s
resourcefulness, surrogate solidarity, and cognitive adaptation. These insights provide a critical localized
perspective, underscoring the urgent need for gender-responsive reforms that prioritize dignity and rehabilitation
within provincial carceral settings.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed to align provincial jail management with
international human rights standards:
Judicial Efficiency & Restorative Justice: Prioritize the "Continuous Trial Guidelines" to mitigate the
psychological trauma of prolonged pretrial detention and ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied.
Gender-Responsive Well-Being: Facilitate consistent family visitation—including virtual "e-dalaw" options—
to maintain the maternal bonds that are central to the emotional stability of female inmates.
Sustainable Livelihood & Education: Move beyond "token" activities toward structured vocational training
(e.g., the candle-making and retail skills identified in Table 1) that offers both immediate financial relief and
long-term reintegration value.
Integrated Mental Health Care: Implement routine psychological screening and therapeutic interventions (art,
music, or spiritual counseling) to address the "moral injury" and anxiety inherent in the total institution.
Protection of Human Rights: Ensure strict adherence to the Bangkok Rules, specifically targeting the
elimination of discrimination and the provision of gender-specific healthcare and hygiene.
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Enlarged Limitations and Methodological Trustworthiness
To enhance the transparency and academic rigor of this inquiry, it is essential to contextualize the scope of its
findings through a critical lens of transferability and trustworthiness:
Contextual Transferability: As this study focused on the provincial jails of Samar, the findings are "context-
bound." While they offer deep "thick description" (Geertz, 1973) of the rural carceral experience, they may not
represent the dynamics of high-density metropolitan facilities. However, the themes of maternal longing and
systemic delay serve as a representative "snapshot" of the broader Philippine provincial experience.
Methodological Transparency: The reliance on qualitative semi-structured interviews allowed for an authentic
centering of marginalized voices. To bolster trustworthiness, future research should employ triangulation by
integrating quantitative data (mixed-methods) to correlate demographic variables—such as length of stay or
educational level—with psychological well-being scores.
Call for Multi-Site Longitudinal Research: To improve the "auditability" of these results, follow-up research
should be conducted across multiple sites (e.g., comparing Samar with Leyte or Northern Samar). A longitudinal
approach tracking women from incarceration through post-release reintegration would provide a more robust
evidence base for policy shifts, identifying exactly where the system succeeds or fails in breaking the cycle of
recidivism.
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