Doing Double Time: Women, Incarceration and Employment Discrimination

Abstract

People who have served prison time experience a higher unemployment rate than other social groups. Australian law stipulates individuals must not face employment discrimination on the basis of criminal record if unrelated to the job’s inherent requirements, but discrimination remains significant. Female ex-offenders are particularly vulnerable to stigma and discrimination. Nicki’s (pseudonym) account airs injustices facing women seeking rehabilitation post-incarceration. Her experiences highlight structural barriers female ex-offenders face when seeking employment and marginalisation hindering social acceptance.