About Us
#SheMatters Employment Network – A strategic employment initiative focused on women affected by the Criminal Justice System.
It aims to connect women both currently in prison via Release On Temporary License known as ROTL, and post release with meaningful stable employment.
SMEN partners with employers, Probation services and prisons to create a structured pathway to employment. The key focus is also to educate employers and to challenge stigma around hiring women with convictions.
#SheMatters believes every woman is valued and deserves a chance of a better future.
We know that employment helps to reduce the likelihood of reoffending. However, women leaving prison face many barriers to accessing training and employment opportunities.
96% of women 6 weeks after leaving prison are unemployed. The situation for women is worse than for men; 4% of women compared to 11% of men were in employment 6 weeks after release. It is a huge need that we want to see addressed and changed.
We have a vision of building a network of employers who we have a relationship with and are open to offering employment and training/volunteering opportunities for the women we support whilst in and after prison. We will be there to support both of you, and minimise the fear women can face when applying for jobs about how their offences can affect how a potential employer views them. We hope that our advocacy will allow each woman to feel comfortable from the start and be able to excel with you.
How SMEN works:
Helps women to overcome barriers to employment
Educates businesses on the benefits of hiring individuals with criminal convictions
Provides pre-release preparation: Coaching, training, job readiness support
Matching with employers based on skills, interest and location
Placements & Onboarding: Via ROTL or after release
Mentorship & Support: For both employee and employer post placement
Employer engagement: Ongoing workshops, resources and support
