The Still We Rise Freedom Coalition demands that the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP) close the Philadelphia Women's Jail. Alternative programs need to be implemented to support incarcerated women, transgender, and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people. These programs need to focus on rehabilitation and reintegration into society through restorative justice and evidence-based practices. This shift away from punishment will reduce recidivism and provide necessary support (“From Crisis to Care”).

Many of the vulnerable women and TGNC folks incarcerated at the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (PICC) are imprisoned for nonviolent offenses or are criminalized for acts of survival and subjected to harm. This harm manifests as medical neglect, interpersonal trauma and violence, exposure to unsafe environmental conditions, and separation from family and community. There have been multiple lawsuits against the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, including a federal civil rights lawsuit, Remick v. City of Philadelphia, which was filed in 2020 by 10 incarcerated individuals. The lawsuit reached a settlement in 2022. However, the PDP was held in contempt for failing to reach settlement requirements while people were dying in their custody.  

Our Call to Action:

We demand that the City of Philadelphia close the Women’s Jail and implement alternatives to incarceration, including:

• Restorative justice programs with a community focus on repairing harm and accountability
• Mental health and addiction treatment programs, such as rehabilitation and talk therapy
• Diversion programs and safe housing for women and TGNC folks
• Increased support for community-based organizations that advocate for justice-impacted women and TGNC people                                    

Add your signature to the petition and join us in demanding a system that supports and empowers women and TGNC folks!