THE GENDER DIVIDE IN JUVENILE JUSTICE
The rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders is more challenging than adult offenders due to their psycho-social immaturity and vulnerabilities. They face two transitions: developmental (childhood to adulthood) and correctional (from correctional center to community), each posing barriers to reintegration. Research demonstrates female ex-offenders face unique reentry challenges as reintegration programs are modeled on males, ignoring women’s needs. In Pakistan, violating gender norms causes social rejection. Patriarchy, culture, and law shape female criminality, making reintegration harder. The justice system fails to address women’s needs, worsening challenges. Studies in Pakistan focus on adult female offenders, neglecting juveniles. This study explores reintegration challenges of ex-female juvenile offenders under probation in 2022.
Successful reintegration depends on pre- and post-release services. However, participants revealed inappropriate programs and deficiency in standards. They described violations of JJSA 2018—such as being handcuffed, mixed with adults, and deprived of rehabilitation. Prisons lacked facilities for education and training. Juvenile courts were absent, probation ineffective, and female offenders supervised by male officers, violating JJSA 2018 and restricting genuine rehabilitation.
Participants also reported stigma, rejection, and suspicion from society and family within Pakhtun culture, where notions of honor and shame are strong. Stigmatization harmed employment and education opportunities, forcing some into crime to support families. Forced and early marriages, often used to restore family honor, led to exploitation and failure.
Lack of aftercare and gender-specific services further hindered reintegration. Reintegration of Pakhtun female juveniles is complex under strict cultural norms and a deficient justice system. The study recommends culturally acceptable restorative justice mechanisms for effective diversion of female juveniles, reducing stigmatization and ensuring fair reintegration.
