This letter is to remind you all that, as Sistas, we need to be there for one another to raise women up.

It’s daunting enough when you get arrested by police, then placed into custody and thrown into a cell. Then you have to go through a degrading strip search.

I’ve spent most of my adult life behind bars, and I’m not proud to say it. It’s been such a bloody waste.

Anyone who has spent a significant amount of time in prison can relate to the concept of prison rituals and routines.

We have limited options regarding studying whilst incarcerated. I am midway through an arts degree, however, once I am released, I am re-routing towards politics/law.

I recently have been put in the medium precinct, and I had put a request form asking what the costs were to order the Examiner newspaper.

My first time in jail was a shock to the system. I have learned quickly that routine is key. Getting your exercise, diet, mental health, maintaining social encounters; it truly helps.

As a devoted mother having to accept the fact that my son was going to prison was soul destroying.

I just keep my head out of trouble and out of politics, lol. I find the time goes very quickly when I keep a great routine going for myself.

Prison teaches people to hold back. To keep to themselves. To give as little as possible. To protect what little energy or hope they have left. When everything feels limited – time, freedom, trust – it makes sense to think that giving more will leave you with less. But the bee lives by a different rule.