Women in Corrections Conference

Join the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) and the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) as we commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Bangkok Rules in 2025. We offer an opportunity to celebrate progress, assess implementation, and identify areas for further improvement.
 
The United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, known as the Bangkok Rules, were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 21, 2010. These rules were developed to address women’s unique needs, vulnerabilities, rights in the criminal justice system and encourage the use of non-custodial measures. The Bangkok Rules, particularly, Rules 29-35 and 67-69, which emphasize the importance of data and evidence-based research, training, and capacity-building on gender equality and women's rights for prison staff, can serve as a foundation for gender-sensitive policy development and enhance a common understanding of women's pathways to prison.
 
To raise awareness about the Bangkok Rules and enhance discussion on women's imprisonment at the global level, ICPA and TIJ will jointly host the first global Women in Corrections Conference (WICC) in 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. This conference aims to:
 
  • Promote the sharing of academic research and practical experience to improve the treatment of corrections-involved women.
  • Raise Awareness about the root causes, conditions, and challenges faced by corrections-involved women.
  • Share Information and best practices that address the specific needs of corrections-involved women and / or relating to the implementation of the Bangkok Rules. 
  • Encourage discussion on practice and policy reforms to encourage positive changes for corrections-involved women.
  • Commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Bangkok Rules.
  • Recognize the vital role of women working in the corrections profession.
ICPA and TIJ invite attendees from across the corrections landscape, both women and men, to contribute to this important conference. Attendees will include correctional leaders, correctional practitioners, academics, individuals with lived experience, and correctional-affiliated organizations.
 

Registration 

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Register now and take advantage of our Early-Bird rates. Secure your spot before 22 December 2024 to enjoy exclusive pricing!
 
  • Genral Admission Ticket: $195 USD
Do you want to make a difference while attending? Our Supporter Ticket ($100 USD) includes a generous donation that helps fund participation for individuals from low-income areas and those with lived experience. Join us in creating a more inclusive event!
 
Why choose a Supporter Ticket?
  • Contribute to diversity and inclusion in our community
  • Enable participation for those who might otherwise be unable to attend
  • Enjoy all the benefits of General Admission, plus the satisfaction of making a positive impact
  • Be acknowledged for your support on ICPA’s dedicated sponsorship and supporter page.

Programme Overview

Wednesday, 19 February: Conference Day One and Welcome Reception (8:30 AM - 10 PM)

Thursday, 20 February: Conference Day Two (8:30 AM - 5 PM)

Friday, 21 February: Prison Visits (7:15 AM - 2:00 PM)

Keynote Speaker

WICC Scholarship Program

We are excited to announce a scholarship opportunity for individuals who may be unable to attend the Women in Corrections Conference due to financial constraints. This scholarship is specifically designed for people with lived experience, those from low-resource backgrounds, NGOs, NFPs, and students. 
 
In recognition of the adaptation of the Bangkok Rules fifteen years ago, I am sponsoring attendance for a justice-involved woman by funding her flight and accommodation. I feel it is critical to broaden our attendance to include those who may not have funding to do so. With this small gesture, I hope to encourage others to donate through the conference website via a sponsor ticket or to find a person to support who would both benefit from and contribute to our conference. Please consider supporting someone who otherwise cannot attend this important event. I dedicate this sponsorship to the Princes Bajrakitiyabha and her tireless advocacy for those in imprisoned. Through her leadership and vision for the Thailand Institute of Justice, Her Royal Highness shines her light on marginalized women world-wide.

Barbara Owen, PhD

WICC Program Committee

 

Accommodation 

The Women in Corrections Conference will be hosted at the Thailand Institute of Justice building, 999 Chaengwattana Rd., Thungsonghong, Laksi, Bangkok, Thailand, 10210. We have arranged special rates at two conveniently located hotels for attendees: Best Western Nada Don Mueang Airport Hotel and Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok.
 
Note: Complimentary round-trip transportation will be provided from both hotels to the TIJ Headquarters for both days of the conference. Alternatively, conference attendees are welcome to find accommodation in Bangkok and make their way to the venue.
 

Facility Visits 

The Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), in collaboration with the Department of Corrections of Thailand, has arranged 4 prison facilities that participants can choose from. These facilities include female-only prisons and a designated female prisoner wing in a male prison.  For those staying on after the conference you can indicate which facility you would like to visit when registering online for this event, but please note that this is not a booking - you can only sign-up at the venue. Please note that spaces are limited.