# Muslim Women Inmates and Religious Practices: What Are Possible Solutions?

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the challenges faced by Muslim women in prison, highlighting the lack of research and the need for culturally sensitive support.

## Contribution

The study identifies a significant research gap and calls for culturally competent policies to support Muslim women inmates.

## Key findings

- There is a marked scarcity of research on Muslim women in prison, possibly due to limited representation or cultural barriers.
- Muslim women face challenges such as restricted religious practices and language barriers, leading to psychological vulnerability.
- The paper emphasizes the need for targeted research and staff training to support these women in detention and post-release.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Despite legal frameworks acknowledging the need to protect the rights of female prisoners, penitentiary systems often neglect gender-specific needs, particularly for foreign women. Among them, Muslim women face distinct challenges linked to cultural and religious practices, which are frequently unmet in prison contexts. This review aims to explore the academic literature on the experiences of Muslim women in detention. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using three major bibliographic databases—Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science—covering the period from 2010 to 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies examining the condition of Muslim women in prison. Of the initial pool, only four articles met the criteria and were included in the final analysis. Results: The review reveals a marked scarcity of research on Muslim women in prison at both national and international levels. This gap may be due to their limited representation or cultural factors that hinder open discourse. The selected studies highlight key issues, including restricted access to services, limited ability to practice religion, and language and cultural barriers. These challenges contribute to increased psychological vulnerability, which is often underestimated in prison settings. Conclusions: There is an urgent need for targeted research and culturally competent training for prison staff to adequately support Muslim women in detention. Greater academic and institutional attention is essential to develop inclusive policies that consider the intersection of gender, religion, and migration, particularly in the post-release reintegration process.