Who are we?

 

The International Network for Incarcerated Girls and Women (INIGW) was established in July 2021 and is a working group that consists of members from across the globe.

 

Some of our members were once incarcerated, and all of our members are women.

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We are all volunteers that sacrifice our own time and energy for this issue and cause.

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INIGW members lead or are involved with our own groups in our respective locations, and have come together to form INIGW to support each other and to lobby on the international level. ​

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What we do

 

INIGW members advocate for the rights of incarcerated girls and women in their respective countries/states, and we support each other and other groups & individuals advocating for incarcerated females in various locations.

 

We routinely review and analyse current research, data, news, legislation and policies pertaining to incarcerated girls and women.

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INIGW members lobby politicians and government bodies on a regular basis through meetings, emails & letters and making submissions to consultations. 

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INIGW supports individuals and groups that take action in this area, and we hope to facilitate women & men engaging with this issue and taking effective & collective action for the benefit of incarcerated girls and women.

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We also hope to help create global cohesion in the efforts to advocate for incarcerated girls and women.

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We propose

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1. Biological sex

2. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth and motherhood

3. Penal facilities, staff and procedures

4. Alternative processes

5. Trauma informed care

6. Pre & post release relief and support provisions

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Our Aims

 

INIGW has the following aims:

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• ​Addressing breaches of the dignity, privacy and sex-based rights of incarcerated girls and women.​

• Advocating and lobbying for improved and more uniform provisions pertaining to the rights of incarcerated girls and women.​

• Advocating and lobbying for improved and more consistent prevention methods and processes that help keep women from entering a penal system or facility.

• Helping to create more global cohesion and uniformity in the efforts to advocate for the rights of incarcerated girls and women.

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We hope to accomplish all of this through expanding our network and, most importantly, through the ratification and implementation of the Universal Declaration on the Rights of Incarcerated Girls and Women. ​