Knitting Identity, Weaving Hope: Understanding Skill Development Through the Voices of Recidivist Women in Indonesian Correctional Facilities

This study explores justice-involved women with a history of recidivism in Indonesia, developing meaning on correctional skill development programs. Drawing on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), this research explores the narratives of ten justice-involved women. Findings reveal four themes: (1) Reconstructing Identity and Building Cultural Capital, (2) Ambivalence Toward Skill Development Programs, (3) Limited Facilities and Feelings of Powerlessness, and (4) Shadow of Crisis and Post-Release Uncertainty. While some women find purpose, empowerment, and solidarity through the activities, others view them as institutional obligations and question their benefit. This study highlights the need for gender-responsive, socially supported, and contextually grounded rehabilitation.