Women & Girls in Prison:
Canada's Alternative to Equality & Justice
Winnipeg LEAF Breakfast - October 24, 2002

Presented by
Kim Pate, B.A., B.Ed. (P.D.P.P.), LL.B.
Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies
President of the Canadian National Associations Active in Criminal Justice
A feminist lawyer and teacher by training, Kim is an advocate,
activist ally of women and girls in prison in Canada. She has worked with and
on behalf of criminalized youth, men and women for the past two decades.

Abstract: Women are the fastest growing prison population worldwide. Recent global trends are seeing the increased Criminalization of women and girls, especially those who are poor and racialized. The factors that are contributing to women and girls being characterized as becoming more violent will be explored.

By looking at the issues through the perspectives of those with the lived experiences, Kim will focus attention upon the nature and circumstances under which women are criminalized. She will also encourage others to examine their own perspectives as to the manner in which women should be dealt with by the criminal justice system.

First of all, I would like to acknowledge the traditional First Nations inhabitants of this occupied territory. It is a privilege to be on your land. Thank you.

I also want to thank the Winnipeg Branch of the Women's Legal Education and Action Fund for inviting me here to speak with you this morning.

I especially want to thank the women in and from prison, some of whom are with us here today, as well as their families, friends and other supporters, and all of the front-line workers who advocate - you know who you are. Your courage, strength and brilliance inspires and encourages me. Thank you for being my mentors, my guides and my conscience. I also want to acknowledge the important work done by our local Elizabeth Fry and LEAF and many other women's, Aboriginal and social justice equality-seeking groups to launch a human rights complaint regarding the Portage Jail. It was wonderful news to hear the announcement that Manitoba will finally close the Portage Jail. Thank you Minister Mackintosh for this most important announcement. We now need to talk about not replacing it. We need to welcome the women there here and provide opportunities in the community. Most women in prison pose the greatest risk to themselves not others. - the best jail in the world is no jail! I will talk more about that in a minute.