The need to support women in detention

Every March, the Philippines celebrates women through National Women’s Month, recognizing their achievements while addressing issues that affect women’s empowerment and gender equality. Yet, a critical gap remains for one of the most vulnerable groups of women: those in detention facilities.

This was expounded upon through a panel discussion organized by the Health Promotion Program of the University of the Philippines Manila National Institutes of Health last November 2025. With local and international experts on prison health and a representative of the country’s detention system, they highlighted the current state and path forward for supporting women in Philippine detention facilities.

Women in detention facilities face serious issues. They have limited access to timely and comprehensive health care, particularly to prenatal and reproductive health services. There is a lack of adequate hygiene supplies in detention facilities, with items such as menstrual pads often not being free or readily available. And, they lack psychosocial support, even as mental health concerns increase.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology implements guidelines on the treatment of women deprived of liberty who are pregnant, have given birth, and their infants, despite the lack of resources. However, there is more that needs to be done to improve women’s health in detention facilities.

Therefore, we call on our policymakers to support women in detention facilities by addressing these longstanding issues. By doing so, we ensure that all Filipinos, including women deprived of liberty, enjoy their right to health.

Reiner Lorenzo Tamayo and Bill Whilson Baljon,

renztamayo@gmail.com