Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women and recognize the vast contributions they have made to U.S. society. Although there is much to celebrate, Americans must also recognize and acknowledge the many challenges that women continue to face. Policymakers must also consider what legislation is needed to ensure that women are provided with the opportunity to establish economic security and build thriving futures for themselves and their families. This is especially true for women who have been affected by the criminal justice system.
The justice system affects more women today than ever before, forcing far too many to navigate life with the collateral consequences that stem from a criminal record. Each year, nearly 2 million women are released from jail or prison with a criminal history that denies them access to employment, housing, education, and other fundamental resources necessary for successful reentry into society. Moreover, most resources for reentry that are available are geared toward men and often do not address the specific challenges that women face. Policies that can help justice-impacted women build a successful future are always critical, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made their importance more apparent than ever before.
The pandemic has devastated the U.S. economy, with more than 18 million people claiming unemployment benefits as of February 2021 and millions more earning less income to provide for themselves and…
