Justice charity names new chief executive

Criminal justice charity Women in Prison has recruited Sonya Ruparel as its next chief executive.

She joins in July from Turn2us, where she is director of programmes and partnerships and replaced Kate Paradine, who announced last year she was stepping down.

Ruparel said: “Women in Prison is doing such important work with women to create social justice for those who are so often let down by the systems that are meant to support and protect us all.

“It is an honour and a privilege to take up this role and to be able to lead Women in Prison as it continues to deepen its impact.”



Women in Prison’s co-chairs Harriet Johnson and Juli Browne added: “We were very impressed with Sonya’s approach, values and successes to date.

“We have no doubt that she will continue Women in Prison’s vital work to end the harm of imprisonment and ensure that every woman can access the support in her community to address the issues which sweep women into crime in the first place.

“As we prepare for our 40th Anniversary in 2023, we look forward to working with Sonya to take Women in Prison to the next chapter in delivering the change our system so desperately needs."

"Kate has been an incredible chief executive of Women in Prison, leading the organisation from strength to strength and working tirelessly to shine a spotlight on the harm that prison causes for women, their families and communities. We wish Kate every success for the future and together we are delighted to welcome Sonya to the team.”

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