We at Hibiscus welcome today’s announcement from Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood on the launch of the Women’s Justice Board as a vital and long-overdue step in reforming how the criminal justice system treats women. With decades of experience supporting Black and minoritised migrant women in contact with the immigration and the criminal justice system, we know firsthand the damage caused by short custodial sentences and the imprisonment of women for non-violent offences. We also know that Black and minoritised migrant women face disproportionate treatment in the criminal justice system, often receiving harsher penalties and limited access to support due to racism and hostile immigration policies.
We welcome the focus on early intervention and community alternatives for women. For years, we have advocated for a system that understands the needs of all women, many of whom are victims of serious crimes themselves. We look forward to contributing our expertise to ensure that the rights and dignity of all women are upheld, helping to break cycles of trauma and build pathways to lasting rehabilitation.