The Bangkok Rules, adopted by the United Nations in 2010, sought to revolutionize how incarcerated women are treated by addressing their unique needs and safeguarding their dignity. However, in the United States, the rules remain largely aspirational, as implementation failures persist. This analysis explores the wide gaps between policy and reality, focusing on the author’s firsthand experience of serving a 78-month federal sentence while pregnant. Deprived of basic necessities like clean water, proper clothing, and prenatal care, she was shackled, leading to a tragic miscarriage—just one of many examples of how the system fails justice-impacted women.
Despite legislative victories in 23 states that aim to improve conditions for incarcerated women, the reality remains grim. A lack of data collection, oversight, and standardization prevents meaningful progress. Without clear metrics, there is no way to measure compliance with the Bangkok Rules, leaving gaps in care unaddressed. Moreover, the absence of accountability mechanisms allows correctional facilities to continue violating women’s rights with little consequence.
What makes the case for change even more urgent is the sidelining of directly impacted women in shaping policy. Without their voices at the forefront, policies are often poorly informed, leading to selective or incomplete implementation of the Bangkok Rules. This summary calls for stronger accountability, robust data tracking, and the active involvement of justice-impacted women in decision-making to ensure that the Bangkok Rules are fully and effectively enforced, protecting the rights and dignity of incarcerated women across the U.S..
×
Pamela Winn
President, RestoreHER US.America, United States
The Face of Dignity For Incarcerated Women, Pamela Winn served a 78-month federal sentence for a white-collar crime while pregnant. She was shackled, causing her to fall miscarrying her baby, then placed in solitary confinement. This traumatic experience fuels her passion and purpose. Pamela is a 2019 Soros Justice Fellow, member of the Council on Criminal Justice, and appointed Commissioner with the Women’s Justice Commission. Pamela is recognized as a national leader informing policy change throughout the United States that includes banning shackling, ending solitary confinement, and prison birth of incarcerated pregnant women. She drafted language for women that was instrumental in the historic passing of federal bill HR5682, First Step Act. Acknowledged by Forbes 50 over 50 Impact List, Pamela is featured in award winning short-film documentaries, WINN Movie and THE BOX. The 2023 recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award is Founder of RestoreHER US.America.
×
Dr Tiawana Brown
Senior Management, Beauty after the Bars, USA
Dr. Tiawana Brown, a proud Charlotte, NC native, has spent her entire life in District 3, and strives to make her community a better place. After her experience serving a federal sentence, she founded a nonprofit organization called Beauty after the Bars, which aims to prevent the incarceration of women and girls. She developed a mentoring program for students, Believe Academic Success Belongs to You. During her tenure as a board member of the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, she played a key role in securing the release of many women in the FREE HER movement. Her key priority is securing needed funding for her district, which has endured years of disparity and disinvestment, including investments in second chances, affordable housing and policies that create racial equity.
×
Kristie Puckett
Senior Project Manager and Lobbyist, Forward Justice, USA
Kristie Puckett, MA, is a civil rights activist, organizer, and abolitionist. Her life experiences with poverty, addiction, domestic violence, and incarceration drive her fight for justice. She is the Senior Project Manager and Lobbyist at Forward Justice, where she advocates for people impacted by the criminal legal system. Kristie works to improve conditions for incarcerated women, especially pregnant individuals. She has served in state leadership roles and received the Dogwood Award from NC Attorney General Josh Stein for her advocacy. With a background in addiction counseling, Kristie uses her experiences to push for policies that build safe, thriving communities.
