Inside Out: Muslim Women in Prison Film and Research Events

In November 2024, the Muslim Women in Prison (MWIP) research team, were invited to present key research findings and shared the film to the West Yorkshire Police Senior Leadership Forum. Discussions focussed upon how best to incorporate culturally and trauma informed support, to those held within police custody.

In December, the MWIP research team were invited to a London based event organised and hosted by Islamic Relief UK. This sell-out invite only event, was attended by women with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System (CJS), leading specialists working with women across the CJS, Faith Leaders, Academics, Journalists, Ministry of Justice and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service Policy Makers.

The event was opened by Islamic Relief and Sofia Buncy MBE, DL who shared the work of the award-winning Muslim Women in Prison Project in Bradford and the emotive Inside Out: film. Dr Alexandria Bradley led the research findings presentation, which highlighted the pervasive nature of shame and dishonour, following a Muslim Women’s involvement with the CJS. The talk highlighted the need for greater relational support and focussed on restorative areas of good practice, with families and the faith community. 

Women who had taken part in creating the film with the team, spoke emotively about their experiences in prison, including the trauma of being separated from their children, the exhaustion of challenging discrimination and the urgency to tackle institutional islamophobia.

Some of those who attended, shared supportive posts and their insights following the event on LinkedIn, and are quoted below.

The National Women’s Justice Coalition stated:

“Leeds Beckett University and Sheffield Hallam University, MWIP shared their moving documentary that explores the personal experiences of Muslim women navigating the justice system and their journeys to resettling back into their community. It deals specifically with the complex and pervasive nature of the shame Muslim women experience as a result of their criminal justice involvement, and how the transference of this shame, from women to their families and communities, can have a devasting and lasting traumatic impact.”

A Policy & Research Officer at Action for Race Equality stated:

“I found the event confronting, as I had never previously considered the experiences of Muslim women in this context. It was striking to learn that many of these women are first-time offenders, reminding us of the need to view them as not just suspects, but as victims and individuals with complex stories.

This was a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system, especially those from Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage backgrounds. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from the research team and speakers.”

The film, alongside the research findings are being turned into tailored learning and training opportunities to share with various audiences across the CJS, these knowledge exchange events will focus on examples of good practice and how best to support the needs of Muslim Women who come into contact with CJS institutions.