In this episode, we explore the impact of your mum being sent to prison in discussion with Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West, who has just published her memoir ‘Honoured’. The book describes her violent childhood, forced marriage at 15, her mother's imprisonment for murder and the campaign for her release - which she successfully led whilst looking after her brother and sister. In this discussion, Naz reflects on her memories of early childhood and her mother's efforts to provide for the family, including feeding them every evening and providing treats like biscuits and tea – despite suffering ongoing physical and emotional abuse.
In this discussion Edwina and Naz address the on-going systemic failures in supporting children of imprisoned mothers and debate how the justice system must be re-designed to support women to maintain relationships with their children through community alternatives to custody when it’s safe to do so. Naz talks about the impact of her mother's imprisonment on her own life and the importance of understanding the systemic issues faced by women in prison – many of whom are themselves victims of abuse. This episode asks what more can be done to support women, mothers and families who are impacted by the justice system.
LinkedIn accounts to tag: @NazShahMP
Instagram accounts to tag are:
@nazshahbfd
@wnbooks
","author_name":"One Small Thing"}