Watch Criminalizing Women

Criminalizing Women is a documentary film that exposes the injustices perpetuated against women in the criminal justice system. Through a series of personal stories from women who have been incarcerated, the film explores the ways in which the system criminalizes women, especially those from marginalized communities. The film starts by examining the lack of attention given to women's experiences within the system, and the ways in which their needs are often ignored. It highlights the stark differences between men's and women's prisons, where women have limited access to healthcare, education, and other essential services.

The film delves into the reasons that women are more likely to end up behind bars than men, with much of the focus on the impact of the war on drugs. It shows how women are often punished more harshly than men, despite committing similar offenses, and how the system fails to take into account the complex factors that drive women to drug use and other forms of criminal activity.

Through the stories of several women who have been incarcerated, we see the devastating impact of the criminal justice system on their lives and the lives of their families. We see women who have been separated from their children, women who have been subjected to physical and sexual abuse in prison, and women who have struggled to rebuild their lives after their release.

The film also explores the intersection of race and gender in the criminal justice system, showing how women of color are disproportionately impacted by the unequal treatment of women within the system. It highlights the ways in which systemic racism perpetuates the criminalization of women of color and limits their access to the resources and support they need to overcome the barriers they face.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the film is ultimately hopeful, as it highlights the work of activists and organizations who are fighting to reform the criminal justice system and ensure that women are treated fairly and with dignity. It showcases the resilience of the women who have been impacted by the system, and their determination to create a better future for themselves and others.

Overall, Criminalizing Women is a powerful and important documentary that sheds light on an often-overlooked issue. It provides a rich and nuanced examination of the ways in which the criminal justice system harms women, and makes a compelling case for the urgent need for systemic change.

Criminalizing Women is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 44 minutes.