The journey back to employment for women with a criminal record can be challenging but also transformative. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses immediate needs, builds skills, provides support, creates valuable employment opportunities and tackles systemic barriers.
So how can we do this? This was the question that The Difference Incubator (TDI) came upon while deciding which group of women in Australia needed the most immediate set of ideas and innovations to provide sustainable employment after incarceration.
The Victorian Legal Services Board Commission (VLSBC) provided funding to TDI to conduct research into this important topic, wanting to create an economy that is regenerative and inclusive. Anthea Smits (CEO) from TDI wanted to create a space for answers to the important question: “What would it take to create decent work for women exiting the justice system?”
TDI asked the early intervention organisation, Women and Mentoring (WAM), to write a report on the barriers experienced by women in finding and securing employment as they navigate moving away from the criminal legal system. After several months of research, including interviews and examination of participant case studies with women who had lived experience, WAM released the report, “They Don’t Make It Easy: Unpacking the barriers, successes and possible pathways of women exiting the justice system seeking employment.”
This report prompted the development of 3-day workshops where investors, small and big businesses, and social entrepreneurs were asked to consider how we can create more employment opportunities for women exiting the justice system. So, for three days we listened, ideated and sat in the messiness of the innovation process to uncover multiple ways forward in this very important space. Ideas were plentiful, with conversations including engaging with $10 million investment funds and acquiring $2 million businesses!
The four courageous lived experience panel members, Nina Storey, Stacey Elvey, Stacey Stokes and Teegan Hartwick (Kelly) were very insightful and brave in bringing their raw and often heartbreaking stories to the forum. We at TDI, WAM and VLSB are very appreciative of their commitment and passion towards generating many actionable and realistic employment solutions at these workshops.
So, now the move forward begins with exciting times ahead!
This report prompted the development of 3-day workshops where investors, small and big businesses, and social entrepreneurs were asked to consider how we can create more employment opportunities for women exiting the justice system. So, for three days we listened, ideated and sat in the messiness of the innovation process to uncover multiple ways forward in this very important space. Ideas were plentiful, with conversations including engaging with $10 million investment funds and acquiring $2 million businesses!
The four courageous lived experience panel members, Nina Storey, Stacey Elvey, Stacey Stokes and Teegan Hartwick (Kelly) were very insightful and brave in bringing their raw and often heartbreaking stories to the forum. We at TDI, WAM and VLSB are very appreciative of their commitment and passion towards generating many actionable and realistic employment solutions at these workshops.
So, now the move forward begins with exciting times ahead!
