Who We Are

Who we are

As women only make up a small proportion of the total prison population in Australia, prisons are often designed to contain male prisoners and the gender-specific needs of women are overlooked. The ACT is no different. While the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) is unique in that it was designed with human rights principles and legislation in mind and incorporates some women-specific aspects (such as cottage-style accommodation), findings from WAP’s consultations with women inmates and service providers indicate that there are still issues for women prisoners in the ACT.

WAP was formed in 2005, founded by Deb Wybron to formalise arrangements put in place by the ACT women’s services providers. Prior to this there were limited opportunities for women with lived experience of prison to take a lead role in advocating for women. Since then the Group has been supported by the Women’s Centre for Health Matters Inc. (WCHM) and the ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS) to grow its membership and to build its capacity to support and advocate for women involved in the ACT criminal justice system.

WAP acknowledges that Canberra has been built on the lands of the Ngunnawal people. We pay our respects to their elders throughout Australia past and present, women currently incarcerated and their family and friends.

Our Vision

A future where no women suffer the inhumanity of imprisonment, and a present where women who do are afforded the same rights as women in the broader community.

Our Values

• Every woman’s voice deserves to be listened to
• Women in prison and women with lived prison experience will provide meaningful input into the direction of the group
• Everyone is entitled to human rights, regardless of any choices or decisions they have made in their lives
• We believe that women are their own experts within their own lives, and are best placed to make decisions and take action about the issues that affect their lives
• We uphold the principles of access, equity and opportunity
• Women’s rights are human rights, and women are entitled to the right of access to equal opportunities and programs in the justice system; as well as the right to justice without fear of prejudice or discrimination
• We believe that women’s health and ability to live healthy lifestyles is affected by social and economic factors known as the “social determinants of health”

Our Mission

To advocate for the human rights of all women incarcerated in or involved in the ACT criminal justice system.