Last night I had the opportunity to attend a screening of a new film produced in Canada rethinking the incarceration of women.

I had first become aware of this film in May 2018. It took 3 years to create.

The producers entered correctional facilities in Nova Scotia and interviewed women to find out their ideas of what they needed from society to have prevented them from landing in jail. 

The interviews are raw, painful, heartbreaking. Their ideas for solutions are brilliant, hopeful, insightful, and empowering. 

As we work to decolonize our minds and societies, we have to think of ways to reduce criminogenic factors and respond appropriately to those who act on them. 

Addressing #ACEs within our homes, communities, and societies will have the most meaningful impact. 

Some of the reasons given by the women for being in jail: lack of mother love, attachment, having been bounced around group homes, existential betrayal by families, mental illness.

In Canada greater than half the incarcerated women are racialized, poor and traumatized. 

We are reminded in the film that Nelson Mandela freed all the women from prison who had children under 12 years old when he took over the leadership of South Africa. He knew the impact of incarcerating mothers on the very fabric of society. 

If you get a chance, see Conviction. 

Here's the link to their website. https://www.convictiondocumentary.com/

You can also follow them on Twitter: @ConvictionDoc