Women's day in women's prison camp

Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayeva©

Women around the world plunge in to the holiday atmosphere on March 8. Every woman dreams of flowers, presents and surprises. Women in Almaty oblast prison camp did not leave themselves without holiday as well.

Each of the convicts, as any women, has her talents. Some of them dance, some sing and some sew. There is a hobby for each of them in the camp. Women attend different activities, like acting, shaping, dancing, after the work day that finishes at 5:00 p.m. The women demonstrated their talents at the concert timed to the International Women's Day.

Currently there are over 2 thousand convicts in the camp. The majority of their crimes include murder, drug sales and fraud. Several women celebrated their 18th women's day in the colony. Deputy head for morale said that the oldest woman is 86. There are several pregnant women in the camp. The camp also has a kid's area, where the convicts' children are raised. Over 20 people left the prison camp under the amnesty of 2012.

Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayeva©

Women who used to dance out of prison, are now teaching others.
Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayeva©

This is the 4th time Tamara celebrates March 8 in the camp. She was a teacher. She has a son.
Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayeva©

The convicts make their own costumes of the fabrics sent by their families or public organizations.
Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayeva©

There is a big sewing shop in the camp, where women make the clothes.
Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayev©

Women created their gypsy band. Women try to keep the smiles on their faces despite of the 10-15 years of prison that is still ahead of them.
Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayeva©

Tatiana performed an oriental dance and won the Eastern Pearl contest.
Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayeva©

Make-up is allowed on holidays only. Normally woman have to cover their heads at all time.
Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayeva©

The camp has a special group that is responsible for kitchen. Many women worked as cooks and bakers before the imprisonment.
Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayeva©

Women try to be friendly. They give each other self-made presents on March 8.
Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayeva©

Only several women agreed to have their photos made and gave interviews. Many of them were afraid that their families and children will find out where they are.
Photo by Aizhan Tugelbayeva©