The young journalist, Nawal, had an appointment that would change the trajectory of her life and many other women’s. After she finished reporting on a visit to Qanater prison, she was surprised to see children inside the prison and when she inquired about them, the answer brought her here with The Children of Female Prisoners Association (CFPA) 30 years later.
Nawal Mostafa founded CFPA in 1990 after publishing a campaign in El Akhbar (an influential newspaper) which gained popularity and interest in the case of children of female prisoners, which was known for the first time. Nawal Mostafa succeeded in shedding light on the tragic situation of these young victims who only knew life behind prison bars.
Within the first few years the organization succeeded in raising societal awareness to this marginalized group amongst other accomplishments, most importantly, including children of female prisoners in the ministry of interior and prison sector’s budget after they were previously neglected. CFPA also helped found a nursery inside Qanater prison in 2008.
For 21 years, (CFPA) organizes a monthly visit to the women’s prison in Al-Qanater prison and other prisons to provide services, medical care, food supplies, clothing and blankets to mothers and issues birth certificates for children in prison whose mothers cannot afford it. Organized in cooperation with Doctors medical convoys to check up children living inside the prison, and women released, implement small enterprises, and provide material and in-kind assistance.
