WIP Trustees announce Sonya Ruparel as new Chief Executive

The Trustees of Women in Prison are pleased to announce the appointment of Sonya Ruparel as Women in Prison's new Chief Executive from Monday 11th July. This follows a selection process led by the Board of Trustees with input from our staff team and women who we work with.

Sonya will join Women in Prison from Turn2us where she is Director of Programmes and Partnerships. Sonya has a strong track record of working in senior leadership roles in the voluntary sector, focused on promoting social justice, centring feminism, with a passion for shifting power and ensuring that the voices of people with lived experience are at the forefront of change.

Dr Kate Paradine announced in November 2021 that she is stepping aside from her role as Chief Executive of Women in Prison and is currently working with the Board of Trustees and staff team to ensure a smooth transition of leadership for the organisation.

Sonya Ruparel said:

“Women in Prison is doing such important work with women to create social justice for those who are so often let down by the systems that are meant to support and protect us all. It is an honour and a privilege to take up this role and to be able to lead Women in Prison as it continues to deepen its impact.”

Harriet Johnson and Juli Browne, Co-chairs of Women in Prison’s Board of Trustees say:

"Kate has been an incredible Chief Executive of Women in Prison, leading the organisation from strength to strength and working tirelessly to shine a spotlight on the harm that prison causes for women, their families and communities. We wish Kate every success for the future and together we are delighted to welcome Sonya to the team.

We were very impressed with Sonya’s approach, values and successes to date. We have no doubt that she will continue Women in Prison’s vital work to end the harm of imprisonment and ensure that every woman can access the support in her community to address the issues which sweep women into crime in the first place. As we prepare for our 40th Anniversary in 2023, we look forward to working with Sonya to take Women in Prison to the next chapter in delivering the change our system so desperately needs."