Unlock's the Record presents The Women's Issue 'Sex and the System'

The Record is a fantastic free magazine produced by the award-winning charity UNLOCK, the National Association of Reformed Offenders. It is written by reformed offenders, for reformed offenders. This month sees the first ever 'women's only' edition of the Record guest edited by Farah Damji, former prisoner, ex journalist, reformed socialite now running a social lettings agency and campaigning for change in the way women in the criminal justice system are treated.  This issue is also endorsed by best selling author Martina Cole and features an exclusive interview with Martina. This month’s magazine cover is by Sarah Lucas.

Out at the end of the week, this month’s issue will see fabulous femme ex-offenders share their untold stories. These positive success stories from reformed offenders hope to inspire law-abiding people facing discrimination and inequality as a result of having a criminal record. This issue will also contain the latest opportunities for reformed offenders, including job vacancies, volunteer position, consultation opportunities, upcoming event and other information, advice and recent news that relates to reformed offenders.

The first ever ‘women’s only’ edition of the monthly magazine by UNLOCK, The National Association of Reformed Offenders, is so important as this issue will highlight the way systemic abuse and entrenched violence in our public institutions and our personal lives impacts against women. Documenting violence in all its forms: domestic abuse, financial exclusion, the media’s portrayal of female defendants, punitive sentencing, exclusion by enforced separation of the children of female offenders and their families by women being incarcerated hundreds of miles from their communities and roots. 

Containing first hand accounts of women prisoners’ stories, through their voice, art and case studies, this issue will examine what needs to change!

Celebrating the Success of Women

The Financial Mail Women’s Forum (FMWF) is hosting an event, in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group and Halifax, on the 27^th November. This evening will see the winners of the Fresh Start Awards announced, these awards are for women with great business ideas, who hope to become entrepreneurs when they leave prison.

Best selling author, Martina Cole, who was head of the judging panel will be handing out the awards. Fiona Cannon of Lloyds banking Group will also be attending, it was her vision that led to Lloyds sponsoring these awards and her support is vital for the Financial Freedom newsletter.

Lisa Buckingham, chair of the FMWF, editor of the Financial Mail on Sunday and editor of Financial Freedom, when describing the event said “I have been truly impressed by the quality of the entries, the clear desire of our contestants to give something back to society and the sheer bravery of the women who have had the courage to allow their business ideas to be judged.”

In other news, the deadline for the Breaking the Mould Awards is fast approaching – 15^th November. These awards, run in partnership with the 30% Club, celebrate the achievements of companies who are creating a platform for talented females who will become the women leaders of tomorrow.

This Christmas event, is a ‘Black handbags’ do, so bring along a black handbag to donate to Dress for Success, a charity that helps disadvantage women enter the workplace, and in return you will get a raffle ticket to the prize draw on the night.

For more information, visit: www.fmwf.com