Save the Women's Justice Network Programs

I work for the Women's Justice Network, a not-for-profit organisation which provides support to women who are either at risk of engagement or currently engaged with the criminal justice system. I have been in my current role as the Youth Program Worker, overseeing the youth mentoring program, for just over 7 months and have been a mentor in the adult program for over 12 months. I came to this position with lived experience of the criminal justice system, belonging to one of the smallest minorities in society who are historically over-policed, discriminated against, ostracized and over-represented in the criminal justice system.

I absolutely believe in the work of the Women's Justice Network to enact positive change in the lives of women who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The Women's Justice Network has achieved a 93% reduction in recidivism for those women engaged with our services. Mentoring works!

I am being stood down at the end of May due to a lack of ongoing funding for my position. In fact, 50% of our staff will be stood down by the end of May for the same reason. This is a travesty for an organisation that is already understaffed and under-resourced.

While I am concerned for my own financial well-being I am more concerned for the young women who have come to rely on me over the past 7 months for matching with mentors, advocacy, referrals to other support services, support in court and regular contact. This support is invaluable to the amazing young women I work with on a daily basis.

More needs to be done to support people such as myself, and my colleagues who are in the same position, to continue delivering the necessary and valuable services we provide not only to our clients but to society.

The government has said 'no' to supporting us through this time but you don't have to. Your donation may just mean we are able to continue our youth and Central Coast programs which support the women who need our help.

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars
Oscar WIlde