“You don’t know what’s going on behind those eyes” – educators describe life in Britain’s women’s prisons

This feature marks International Women’s Day by exploring the experiences of educators working in Britain’s women’s prisons and the unique challenges faced by female prisoners. Through personal stories from prison education staff, it highlights the impact of trauma, family separation, mental health issues and social exclusion on women in custody, while showcasing the transformative role that education and skills development can play in rebuilding confidence and creating opportunities. The piece argues that rehabilitation efforts must better reflect the specific needs of women, both during imprisonment and as they transition back into the community.

“You don’t know what’s going on behind those eyes” – educators describe life in Britain’s women’s prisons