Reference

Women in Northern Ireland became increasingly involved in the criminal justice system post-1976 due to a variety of factors, primarily tied to the socio-political environment and the escalation of conflict during The Troubles. Here are the primary reasons:

1. Political Conflict and Criminalisation: The period was marked by intense political conflict between unionist and nationalist groups. Women were often involved in activities labeled as "terrorism" by the British authorities. The criminalisation policy implemented by Merlyn Rees in 1976 meant that those convicted of scheduled offenses, including many political offenses, would be treated as ordinary criminals rather than political prisoners (source).

2. Socioeconomic Conditions: Many women found themselves in dire economic conditions, exacerbated by the widespread violence and instability. This led to increased involvement in criminal activities, either through necessity or through association with male family members involved in paramilitary groups.

3. Roles in Paramilitary Groups: Women played significant roles in paramilitary organizations such as the IRA (Irish Republican Army). Their involvement included logistics, intelligence gathering, and active participation in operations, leading to their arrest and imprisonment (source).

4. Criminal Justice Policies: There were changes in the criminal justice system that disproportionately affected women. The lack of specialised facilities and support for women in custody further highlighted the system's deficiencies (source).

5. Activism and Civil Rights: Women's involvement was also a part of broader political activism for civil rights and equality. Many women were politically active and were imprisoned due to their participation in protests and demonstrations. (source)

Images reflecting the involvement of women in the criminal justice system and political activism:

These factors collectively contributed to the marked increase in the involvement of women in Northern Ireland's criminal justice system post-1976.