A national conference on women and crime is to take place in the region later this month.
The day-long conference, organised by Soroptimist International, will take place at County Hall in Durham City on Saturday, June 18.
The conference is designed to raise the issues of crime and punishment and their effects on women and highlight alternatives to custody.
Organisers say many women are in prison for non-violent offences, often related to mental illness, drug use and poverty.
Speakers include Redcar MP and senior lawyer Vera Baird, Durham Prison chaplain Rev Fiona Eltringham, Helen Attewell of campaign group Smart Justice and Bronia Baneski of Low Newton Prison.
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