[podcast]http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/2013/06/tsy_20130623_1005.mp3[/podcast]

As a part of my Broadcast Media homework, I came across an interesting piece of radio document from ABC 360 radio program about dressing issue of women leaving prison.

What should a woman wear when she’s leaving prison? How does it feel to get out of the prison tracksuit for the first time in months or years and back into ordinary clothes? How does time in prison leave its mark on the body? What accounts for the gaol saying that in prison, men get fit, while women get fat?

Restrictions on clothing and grooming might seem like a trivial aspect of imprisonment. But losing control over personal presentation can have a profound impact on self-esteem, and undermine rehabilitation.

 

I have never ever thought of that issue in my entire life, what should a woman wear when she’s leaving prison? I’m a big fan of nice clothes, neat outlook and self-appearance, I know how it’s to be in such situation with restrictions on clothing and grooming. Well, as all women do, appearance is really important to us to keep our self-esteem on level.

They do bad things, but still, I personally think they deserve to look at least OK when their punishment is finished. It’s an essential part for them to get back to their normal like, and take back their sense of belonging in the community. How us, people in the community look at them will party determine how these women would be after prison. A better person or recommit crime.

The work Dress To Success organization has done is very meaningful and admirable. Not many people see this as a problem and they usually underestimate its serious impact on these women in jail and our society. I hope this will be analyze more in depth and raise more public awareness on this issue. One way to stop them recommit crime and get back to the community is here!