Evaluating the Impact of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service Act on the Well-being of Female Inmates: A Case Study of Pa Demba Road Maximum Security Prison

This study evaluates the impact of Sierra Leone’s Correctional Service Act of 2014 on the well-being of female inmates, with a focus on the Pa Demba Road Maximum Security Prison in Freetown. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates both qualitative and quantitative data to assess the influence of gender-specific policies on the physical and mental health, access to justice, and rehabilitation outcomes for incarcerated women. Primary data were collected from 50 female inmates through structured surveys, supplemented by interviews with prison officials, legal experts, and human rights advocates. The study reveals significant gaps in policy implementation, leading to substandard living conditions marked by overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and poor sanitation. Mental health issues are prevalent, with 73% of respondents reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety. Legal access remains limited, with many women detained without proper representation. The study concludes with seven key hypotheses examining the relationship between gender-specific policies, prison environment, and the well-being of female inmates. Recommendations include enhancing gender-sensitive policies, improving legal aid, expanding vocational rehabilitation programs, and strengthening oversight to prevent human rights violations. This research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on improving correctional conditions for female prisoners in Sierra Leone.