#United States #Boston #National Council #FreeHer Institute #Women's Incarceration

The FreeHer Institute's Revelatory Report on Women's Incarceration

On November 10, 2025, the FreeHer Institute, part of the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, unveiled a significant report titled Work to Be Done: Women's Incarceration in the 21st Century. This groundbreaking document reveals crucial insights into the plight of incarcerated women across the United States, based on over two decades of research data.

Insights and Findings

The report meticulously details how women’s incarceration negatively impacts not only the individuals involved but also their families and surrounding communities. It sheds light on intersections of race, gender, and socioeconomic status, while also examining the implications of conspiracy laws and the increasing role of privatization within the prison system.

One of the striking aspects of this report is its prioritization of the voices of women who have experienced incarceration firsthand. According to Andrea James, Founder and Executive Director of the National Council, “Although research and statistics are crucial, they often fail to convey the authentic stories of those affected. This report amplifies those voices, demanding a reimagining of the justice system based on care rather than confinement.”

Policy Recommendations

The report goes beyond merely presenting the statistics and narratives; it offers pivotal policy recommendations aimed at reforming the current system. Among these suggestions are:

• - Acknowledge Racism: Recognizing and challenging the entrenched racism that forms the backbone of mass incarceration, which disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities.
• - Reform Caregiver Definitions: Expanding the legal definition of “primary caregiver” so that more women can return home and care for their dependent family members, including elderly parents and adult children with special needs.
• - Revise Conspiracy Laws: Revising current conspiracy laws and sentencing guidelines to eliminate unfair punishments arising from “guilt by association” in drug-related cases.

Urgency for Change

As several states, including Massachusetts and New Jersey, contemplate investing millions in building new women's prisons, the Work to Be Done report underscores the need for swift action. The evidence presented makes it clear: incarceration is costly, ineffective, and detrimental. Rather than enhancing community safety, prisons often exacerbate cycles of trauma, poverty, and social disconnection.

The full report can be accessed online, offering a comprehensive look at its findings and recommendations. The FreeHer Institute emphasizes that meaningful reform is necessary to construct systems that nurture rather than punish.

About the Organizations

The National Council is dedicated to ending the incarceration of women and girls, advocating for change led by those directly impacted. Through extensive research, organizing, and advocacy, they strive to ensure the voices of incarcerated women are heard and taken into account in policy decisions. The FreeHer Institute serves as a vital resource for furthering these discussions and pushing for systemic reforms, prioritizing the lived experiences of affected women in the process. For more information, please visit FreeHer Institute.