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From Justice to Freedom: Innovative Global Approaches to Address Challenges Faced by Women in the Criminal Justice System
The Vance Center and Women in Prison Network at CSW69/Beijing+30
The Vance Center and its Women in Prison initiative are planning a series of events alongside the sixty-ninth session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, taking place in New York from March 10-21, 2025.
We invite Network members, partner organizations, legal practitioners, advocates, and members of the public engaged in work related to the rights of incarcerated women to join us for these discussions.
Find details about all our CSW events here.
From Justice to Freedom: Innovative Global Approaches to Address Challenges Faced by Women in the Criminal Justice System
Women in the criminal justice system face distinct challenges at every stage, from their initial contact with law enforcement to their experiences during incarceration and post-release. These challenges often arise from systemic gender biases, economic inequality, and caregiving responsibilities, leading to disproportionate impacts on women and their families.
Efforts to address these issues require a holistic, gender-based approach that spans from prevention, fair treatment during detention, and support for reintegration. This includes strategies to prevent incarceration altogether, ensure equitable conditions for women who are in prison, and provide tools for them to rebuild their lives after release. Sharing innovative practices across these stages can drive systemic change and create pathways to justice and freedom.
This event will provide a platform to discuss global innovations that address the unique challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system, offering lessons and strategies in law and practice that can inspire policy reform, advocacy, and program development.
In this discussion, we will:
- Highlight innovative, gender-sensitive approaches addressing challenges faced by women before incarceration, during prison, and post-release.
- Share examples of prevention strategies, equitable practices within prisons, and post-release support systems.
- Foster dialogue among policymakers, practitioners, and civil society organizations to encourage the adoption of effective strategies that center on fairness and gender equity.
This special event is hosted in partnership with Winston & Strawn LLP.
Location: Winston & Strawn LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166
Speakers
- Simitie Lavaly, Commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone
- Sabrina Mahtani, Founder, Women Beyond Walls
- Isabel Maldonado Cepeda, Implementation Leader for Law 2292 of 2023, Ministry of Justice Colombia
- Jhody Polk, Founder, Jailhouse Lawyer Initiative
- Moderator: Adaobi Egboka, Africa Program Director, Vance Center
Registration
This is a hybrid event. Registration is required.
Register here to attend in person
Register here to attend virtually
