40 years of Women in Prison! Announcing our 40th anniversary project
Over the past four decades, our initiatives—both in custody, ‘through the gate’ and within the community—alongside our women-led campaigns, have consistently pursued this goal.
To commemorate and honor our rich history of advocating for change and supporting women, we are thrilled to announce an exciting 40th anniversary project. This historic milestone is not only an opportunity to reflect on our journey so far, but also serves as a springboard for shaping the future experiences of women in the criminal justice system.
Today, there are more than 3,500 women in prison, with this number projected to rise to 4,200 by 2027. This increase has the potential to have a profoundly destructive impact on the wellbeing of more women, their families, and our communities. Many women are in prisoned for non-violent offenses, often stemming from circumstances such as domestic violence, trauma, abuse, homelessness, poverty, and mental ill-health. Women in Prison is continuing to support women in prison, through the gate and in the community. We also campaign to reduce women’s criminalisation and raise awareness of the challenges they face when in contact with the criminal justice system.
This project, generously funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will bring to light hidden heritage and gather new stories and experiences from lived experts and key stakeholders we’ve worked with over our history and today.
“40 years supporting women harmed by the criminal justice system is an important milestone in our history. The important and impactful work by and with many women who went before us makes us deeply proud, and we are excited to share Women in Prison’s rich heritage and to continue to build on it as we support women and campaign for lasting change into the future.”
— Sonya Ruparel, CEO, Women in PrisonAs a member of the 40th anniversary steering group, and a woman with lived experience of the criminal justice system, Emilia said:
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for WIP’s amazing support. Being a part of the 40th Anniversary steering group has been such an honour and an amazing opportunity for me to give back to WIP. I’ve gained invaluable insights into WIP’s amazing history and look forward to being a part of their future work!
— Emilia, 40th Anniversary Steering Group MemberThanks to National Lottery players, we will commemorate 40 years of WIP through uncovering archival material, interviewing key figures and stakeholders instrumental in our history and work today, and hosting events to celebrate our impact over the past four decades. We will use this reflection on our roots to inspire and mobilise more people to help end the harm caused to women, their families and communities from the criminal justice system.
