Women have largely been ignored in the criminal justice system and in discussions of sentencing in Canada. Existing theories of punishment and the underlying philosophy of sentencing have developed from essentially patriarchal models. As a result, the existing theory and the practice of sentencing in Canada is flawed both by the absence of a feminist theoretical analysis and the absence of a practical appreciation of issues which impact on sentencing female offenders. The framework of accepted sentencing theory and practice has been built upon particular conceptions about women which reinforce the oppression of women. This is evident when one focuses on the reality of the sentence imposed rather than on mere compliance with equal treatment.