While most Canadians continue to believe that men and women should be incarcerated separately, there are men convicted for serious and violent crimes being housed in prisons for women in our country. This has been allowed because these men simply stated that they themselves are women. Please join us to learn about these and other urgent concerns of Canadian women who are incarcerated.

 

Strength In SISterhood Society (SIS), founded in 1995 by Gayle Horii and other incarcerated women, aims to address the shortcomings of women's prisons in Canada, which overlook the social inequalities contributing to women's criminalization. Frustrated by the lack of progress since the Arbour Commission, the renewed and revitalized SIS advocates for laws, resources, and policies that involve and consult women with firsthand incarceration experience.

 

HEATHER MASON possesses extensive knowledge about the criminal justice system. Following her own experience as a federal inmate, she has dedicated the last five years vigorously championing the rights of women in prison. By confronting abusive strip searches and opposing the cruel use of solitary confinement, Heather has elevated the concerns of those affected by the penal system. She has revitalized SIS, a non-profit organization aimed at abolishing the imprisonment of women entirely, demonstrating that redemption and reform can be achieved, even amidst significant challenges.

 

ALIA PIERINI is a passionate advocate for justice and women’s rights, driven by her personal experiences within the Canadian Correctional System. Having endured incarceration, Alia has gained invaluable insights into the challenges faced by women behind bars. Since her release in 2009, she has emerged as a powerful voice for change, in the media and the Senate. Alia has played a pivotal role in reshaping solitary confinement policies, played an integral role in revamping SIS and remains steadfast in her beliefs in the necessity of women-only spaces.