Zakiya Zeba Maqbool, a senior psychologist at the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) in Suva, is playing a transformative role in inmate rehabilitation. Since joining the FCS in 2021, she has been instrumental in overseeing the mental and psychological well-being of more than 2,000 inmates across 13 institutions, including several correctional centers within the Central Eastern Division.
Ms. Maqbool’s work is centered on developing and implementing rehabilitation programs tailored to assist both inmates and the staff at the facilities she manages. Her team comprises six to seven specialists, including counsellors and project officers, who together strive to provide effective support and education to inmates.
Addressing the unique challenges she faces as a woman in a predominantly male environment, Ms. Maqbool emphasizes the importance of empathy in her work. She articulates, “Inmates judge you, but you are there to show them empathy. My role is not to judge an inmate based on their sentence or criminal background, but rather empathise and help them.” This human-centered approach is essential in encouraging inmates to reconsider their past decisions and embrace the possibility of a better future.
In her sessions, she urges inmates to let go of past grievances: “Whatever happened has happened. I tell them, ‘You are here. I’m trying to reform and help you so people can accept you when you leave here.’” This encouragement is vital given the complex backgrounds many inmates come from, ranging from petty crimes to more severe offenses. Despite the heavy emotional toll of her work, Ms. Maqbool finds satisfaction in the small victories, mentioning how a smile from an inmate can make her efforts worthwhile.
This focus on rehabilitation is significant in alignment with broader initiatives within the Fiji Corrections Service, especially under the leadership of Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, who has advocated for enhanced training standards and international cooperation in the corrections sector. The FCS’ commitment to professionalism and empathy aligns with ongoing efforts where community involvement, such as mentorship programs, also plays a vital role in reintegration strategies for ex-offenders.
Ms. Maqbool’s story reflects a growing recognition of the critical need for psychological support in correctional settings, promoting a more humane approach to rehabilitation. It highlights the importance of fostering an environment where offenders can rebuild their lives and have hope for reintegration into society, emphasizing that transformation is possible even in challenging circumstances.
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