Inmates at the Malindi Women’s Prison were treated to complimentary beautification services on Thursday in a heartwarming initiative designed to boost their self-esteem ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day.
The sprucing up, which included hairdressing, facials, manicures, pedicures, skincare, and nail polishing, was provided by Joe Hairworks, a renowned beauty establishment in Malindi town.
“This effort is aimed at uplifting the inmates’ self-esteem and making them feel included during the International Women’s Day,” said Mr. Joe Njeru, Chief Executive Officer of Joe Hairworks, who led a team of experts to deliver the services.
Despite being confined for various offenses, the inmates were all smiling as the team meticulously attended to them—washing and treating their hair, scrubbing their arms and feet, and polishing their nails.
Female prison Warders were not left out in the rare gesture, as they too received similar complementary services even as the correctional facility prepared for its own celebrations of International Women’s Day on Friday, one day ahead of the main celebrations.
As part of the festivities, the inmates are expected to showcase their skills in tailoring and beadwork and participate in a beauty pageant, all aimed at fostering hope and dignity among the otherwise despised lot.
“This is more than just a beauty routine; it’s about encouragement, respect, and reminding these women of their value in society,” Mr. Njeru added. He has made it a practice to always visit the prison during festive seasons such as Christmas and Easter.
Anabel Wairimu, the Officer-in-Charge at the prison, lauded the initiative, emphasising its positive impact on the inmates’ morale.
“When stakeholders like Joe visit and serve these women, it significantly boosts their self-esteem. Additionally, we actively rehabilitate them by offering skills such as tailoring to ensure a smoother reintegration into society once their sentences are completed,” she explained.
An inmate, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed the prisoners’ heartfelt gratitude for the gesture and appealed for more such initiatives from various stakeholders.
“We thank you so much for remembering us. Please continue this kind act; it gives us hope. Some of us have come to know God while in prison, and we pray that God may bless you for your kindness,” she said.
Both Mr. Njeru and Ms. Wairimu underscored the importance of treating prisoners with dignity and creating opportunities for their positive transformation.
By Baraka Mweni and Mwadzidze Mtawali
