What reform regarding women prisoners was promoted in the late 1800s?

The reform regarding women prisoners that was promoted in the late 1800s was the separation of women prisoners from men. This movement emerged from a growing recognition of the unique needs and vulnerabilities of women within the criminal justice system. Advocates argued that women required a different correctional environment due to societal expectations, the influence of motherhood, and the potential for victimization in male-dominated prison settings.

During this period, there was an increasing acknowledgment that mixed-gender facilities could exacerbate issues like abuse and stigmatization. As a result, reformers sought to create separate institutions for women, often arguing that it would lead to more humane treatment and better rehabilitation opportunities. This shift was an essential step towards recognizing not only the specific challenges faced by women in the corrections system but also the need to tailor rehabilitation methods to their circumstances.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary reforms aimed at addressing the issues faced by women prisoners during this time. Mandatory minimum sentences, increased solitary confinement, and elimination of parole opportunities represented broader punitive measures rather than a focus on the specific circumstances of women within the prison system.