18 July 2023 – Beirut, Lebanon
In the heart of Beirut, a pile of colorful sheets bursts with vibrant hues and patterns, filling the air with the scent of fresh fabric. As the needle glides through the fabric, it becomes more than just a tool; it becomes a storyteller. Each stitch weaves stories of resilience and determination. Beyond the clatter and the rhythmic hum of sewing machines, a harmonious unity resonates as the women work together as a team, channeling their energy into the art of sewing. This is the space where female inmates gather daily to participate in the sewing income-generating activity. A transformative journey, stitching a new narrative for themselves with newfound hope for a better tomorrow.
“Life doesn’t stop with imprisonment…you can build hope with your own hands,” said Lama, an inmate at Beirut women’s prison, who passionately shared her experience of participating in the activity led by Mouvement Social (NGO active in supporting the prisons in lebanon). “When I first entered prison, I didn’t even know how to put a thread in the needle,” she added.
Now, Lama puts her skills into action by sewing pillows, bed sheets, and towels. Through the sewing income-generating activity, Lama's newfound skills have not only given her the ability to create practical items but have also instilled in her a sense of dignity and empowerment. As she saves the money she earns from this activity, she envisions a future where she can use her skills to start her own business and create a better life for herself outside of prison.Beyond personal growth, Lama highlights the initiative's significance in providing prisoners with basic needs such as bed sheets and towels, which are included in health kits distributed among all prisons in Lebanon.“It makes me happy to know that I am able to make a difference while in prison because hygiene is a right of every prisoner.” “And above all that, this sense of responsibility changed my mentality, I started interacting with other inmates. The positive change in my behavior led to a reduction in my sentence,” Lama spoke confidently. “Because of this activity, the new Lama can say loud: Don’t underestimate the power of second chances…change is possible but only if you want it.”
Lama is among the 20 prisoners participating in the sewing workshop, one of the various rehabilitation activities UNODC supports and aims to help prisoners re-integrate into society after serving time. Her story exemplifies the power of second chances, proving that change is possible when the desire is strong.
As the world commemorates Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18, 2023, it serves as a reminder that #Prisonersmatter. There are more than 11 million prisoners around the world: Each is a person, each has a story, and rehabilitation is possible for those willing to embrace transformation and make positive change.
This activity is implemented by UNODC within the framework of the project “Strengthening the detention conditions and the national capacities to deal with individuals with offences related to terrorism, including access to remote justice in Lebanon” funded by Canada and the “enhancing access to justice, fundamental rights safeguards in the criminal justice system, and independent justice oversight mechanisms” project funded by the European Union.
Activities reflected are generously funded by Canada and the European Union.
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