This conference led by Elisabet Almeda from UPF explores women's prisons as a lens to critically analyze the punitive control faced by women and vulnerable gender dissidents. Participants will trace the historical development of these institutions in Barcelona while evaluating their current situations. The discussion will address several pivotal issues such as the lack of data on women in prison, recurring discrimination, and blatant oppression faced daily, along with the sexist and androcentric policies governing the penitentiary system. Furthermore, attention will be given to the limited social support entities available and the resistance strategies that women develop against discipline and authority in female penitentiary centers. By analyzing women's prison history and current challenges through feminist lenses, the conference aims to provide insights into the broader impacts of systemic gender-based injustices.