Women in Prison: An Oral History

Author and campaigner Melissa Benn reflects on the early days of Women in Prison, working alongside founder Chris Tchaikovsky. A powerful conversation on activism, storytelling, and women’s resistance in the criminal justice system. 

Liz Hogarth shares insights from her illustrious career, from working in HMP Holloway to the Ministry of Justice over many decades, as well as working with Women in Prison’s indomitable founder, Chris Tchaikovsky. She discusses her role in the Corston Report and what keeps her fighting for women’s justice today. 

Former trustee Martine Lignon looks back on her 20 years at Women in Prison. In this wide-ranging conversation, she explores the trauma of prison environments, the power of women’s centres, and her hopes for real change in women’s justice. 

From volunteer to CEO, Cathy Stancer shares how Women in Prison shaped her politics as a young woman. This is a deep dive into feminist leadership, learning about the realities of systemic injustice, and what change looks like from the inside of this 40-year-old organisation working to end the harm of the criminal justice system on women's lives.

Kate Fraser, Head of Practice for Women in Prison, reflects on 15 years with the organisation. From establishing the Manchester women’s centre, WomenMATTA, to supporting women in prison and the community. Kate shares how her own lived experience drives her commitment to change. 

In this episode, criminologist Maria Leitner shares her journey from researcher to being criminalised, to founding Open Justice Initiatives – a think tank led by people with lived experience of the justice system. In conversation with Natasha, she reflects on creating Off the Cuff magazine in prison, the power of peer-led change, and what must shift to end the justice system’s harm to women.

Criminologist and campaigner Becky Clarke speaks about working alongside women in prison, research as resistance, and why grassroots support and critical thinking are key to justice. 

Charmaine Williams, Peer Mentor and Training Coordinator for Women in Prison, shares a decade of experience supporting women inside prison and beyond. With heart, humour, and honesty, she talks about resilience, recovery, and the women who inspire her.