ABSTRACT
The concept of prison has always been an abstract one especially with respect to the differential treatment of male and female inmates in prisons. For this reason this study investigates the differential treatment of male and female inmates in prison, case study of the Douala Central Prison in the Douala 2 municipality, Wouri division in the Littoral region of Cameroon. This study used a qualitative method within the framework of a descriptive and exploratory design, with a sample of 40 respondents; 30 inmates (comprised of 20 females and 10 males) and 10 prison warders selected from the Douala Central prison. The study used interview guides and Focused Group discussions as guidelines to collecting data from the field. Data was analyzed using a qualitative method of analysis with its demographics being presented on tables to ease comprehension. The findings of this study reveals that male and female inmates suffer from differential treatment in prisons with the female inmates bearing the brunt of imprisonment as compared to the male inmates because of their biology and other factors. Inmates (male and female) tend to have specific needs which are to be met in prison, this includes; sanitary pads for menstruation, visits to a gynecologist and anti natal (for women) while male inmates needs are mostly social such as shaving bics or barbers to take care of their looks. Inmates also face varied challenges while being incarcerated such as overcrowding, abandonment, sexual molestation, feminization of poverty, spread of diseases and so much more. In their strive for survival, they develop strategies to cope while serving their sentence. As measures to improve the quality.