Resistance Behind Bars: The Struggles of Incarcerated Women

The recent release of 74-year-old Lynne Stewart has made headlines. Stewart, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, was granted compassionate release December 31, 2013, after a protracted struggle by Stewart and supporters across the country. Stewart, whose cancer has spread to her lungs, lymph system and bones, will spend her remaining months with her family in Brooklyn.

But what about the aging and infirm people incarcerated nationwide who lack Stewart's fame and support? The United States has some 125,000 prisoners age 55 and older, quadruple the number in 1995.

Co-written with Meg Escude, "My Mom is Badder Than Yours" examines the treatment of mothers and children incarcerated in the United States and Argentina. It discusses the strategies of resistance, activism and advocacy adopted by imprisoned mothers in both countries and, as a result of their actions, the subsequent changes in law, policy and practice.

In the United States, prison policy separates an incarcerated mother from her newborn baby less than 48 hours after birth.

Last year, Giday Adnahom was fighting deportation. As reported earlier in Truthout, Adnahom, or Dede to those who know her, came to the United States as a child with her adult sister in 1993.

Part 2 of my piece on women in solitary confinement is now up on Solitary Watch:

It seems absurd that a person who has been sexually assaulted would be punished for speaking up, especially since prison policy prohibits sexual contact between staff and the people whom they guard.

A mass prisoner hunger strike rocked California’s prison system this past summer, drawing international attention to the extensive use of solitary confinement in the United States. Increasingly, solitary is finding its way into the mainstream media and onto activist agendas. Nearly all of the attention, however, has focused on solitary confinement in men’s prisons; much less is known about the conditions and experiences inside women’s prisons...

...Dolores Canales has a son who has spent thirteen years in Pelican Bay’s SHU.

My newest piece on Bitchmedia:

What happens when states contract with private, for-profit companies to both run their prisons and provide prison health care?

Free Marissa Alexander Fundraising Party
featuring live music from Daro Behroozi & friends, plus DJ Madame Turk
with special guests (including me!) TBA

Sunday, December 15, 4:30 to 8 PM
at Billie's Black Restaurant and Lounge

Massachusetts Rep. Kay Khan of MA has introduced Bill 1434 to build a jail in Middlesex Co.

Just in time for some cold weather reading!

Tenacious #30, the Winter 2013 issue, is here!

Come hear activists and advocates who are working against gender and reproductive injustice in prisons share their experiences and strategies for making change.

Wednesday, November 20, 6-7:30 pm

West Lecture Hall, Franklin Patterson Hall