Message UN Women is glad to work with the Commission on Human Rights to bring to light the lived experiences of women deprived of liberty (WDL) and the impact of incarceration on women, their families, and society. We appreciate that this booklet aims to emphasize not just the resilience of women in detention, but also the importance of institutionalizing laws, policies, programs, and services that uphold their human rights and are responsive to their gender-based needs. Stories of over 200 women detainees about their situation in jail within the COVID-19 context were collected nationwide by the CHR Center for Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights; these stories surfaced issues and vulnerabilities that all of us, particularly those responsible to look after women in detention during the pandemic, should know about. With or without the pandemic, however, incarcerated women and girls are exceptionally at risk as they lack access to adequate legal and social services, including appropriate nutrition and health care. It is hence crucial to document the issues of this group of women to raise awareness and bring about timely action. We can offer protection and address these vulnerabilities by adhering to and implementing international human rights frameworks like the Bangkok Rules and Mandela Rules, which provide minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners and provision of health and social services, such as for sexual and reproductive health, mental health, work, and education. It is high time we start looking for ways to truly articulate our commitment to leaving no one behind and ensure decent and dignified life for everyone, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized sectors like women deprived of liberty. Ma. Rosalyn G. Mesina Country Programme Coordinator UN Women 5