Over 740,000 women and girls are held in prison worldwide. Women continue to make up a minority of the global prison population at 7%. However, women’s incarceration is growing at a faster rate than men, up 60% since 2000 compared to 22% for men. Around 19,000 children are living in prison with their mothers. In the first global report of its kind, research from campaign partners Penal Reform International and Women Beyond Walls, shows that poverty is a driving factor behind the increasing number of women in prison, despite the devastating impact of imprisonment on women and their families, especially their children.

Most women in prison globally are charged or convicted for non-violent offences. Many serve short prison sentences simply because they are unable to pay fines or to afford bail. Additionally, punitive drug policies are also a key driver of the rising number of women in prison, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, which is also linked to poverty and discrimination.

The report, ‘From Poverty to Punishment‘ was launched at the first CSW event looking at female incarceration, ‘Promising Practices to Reduce the Harmful Impact of Imprisonment on Women‘ and cements our campaign members commitment to raising awareness and pushing for reforms that support the decriminalisation of women. Rewatch the CSW event here.