El-Shaddai World Ministries yesterday presented female inmates at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison with early Christmas after donating foodstuffs, shoes, blankets and clothes to the women behind bars.

Speaking at a brief ceremony to hand over the Christmas gifts to inmates, the officer in charge at the female section, Ms Emelda Chifodya commended the church for coming on board to support the intsitution.

"We really welcome events like this because our inmates also need to feel the environment of the outside world," said Ms Chifodya.

"They are in prison but they should be accommodated for them to feel relieved."

In an interview on the sidelines of the event Zimbabwe Prison Service Spokesperson Superintendent Elizabeth Banda acknowledged the recognition women in prison were getting from outside world. She said that they did not want to deprive them of anything, which concerns women.

"Since they also need to enjoy what other women outside are enjoying there is need to hold occasions like this," said Supt Banda.

El-Shaddai World of Ministries leader Apostle Juliana Magaiza expressed concern over the society, which divides people because of what they go through in life.