Global Sisters is empowering women to achieve their financial independence, with almost half of participating sisters significantly decreasing or no longer receiving Government support since selling their wares through the Global Sisters marketplace. The first all-female founded and operated not-for-profit Global Sisters Marketplace showcases a lineup of almost 400 Australian female micro-business entrepreneurs. The impact of the Marketplace helps to reduce the 437,000 women receiving a government pension - specifically diverse women such as migrants, Indigenous women, single mothers, carers, and more. 43 per cent of Sisters who say they were on government welfare when they started with Global Sisters have decreased or ended their reliance on government support completely. 72 per cent report that after six months or more with the not-for-profit, are earning an average business income of $1162 a month - almost equal to Job Seeker payments. "When COVID hit, and with the rise in the cost of living looming, I was really concerned about income, so I went onto JobSeeker', says Maureen Nugent, founder at Beadoire Glass and full-time carer of her son who lives with a disability.
According to a YouGov poll conducted by Square Australia, Australian consumer trends have recently changed; 87 per cent prefer to shop locally, and 88 percent say that a business or brand's values and ethics matter to them; and are becoming value driven. "I feel there is so much more value in purchasing local Australian-made products due to - what I feel is generally of a higher quality while supporting Aussie businesses. I would prefer to spend more with a local retailer knowing that a product will last longer than buy a similar product from Kmart", says Kara Smyth, Australian consumer, and mother of three. "I want my kids to grow up understanding that the simple decisions you make when shopping can have a huge impact on our community and planet". Addressing the new consumer trends and with Christmas fast approaching, the Global Sisters Marketplace delivers more than 4000 products all created by women, many handmade. Every product aligns with ethical practices that are good for the local community, planet, people, and animals. "This year, we're looking to support our Sisters businesses by encouraging all Australians to #GiftHerBrilliance by shopping the Marketplace, and help make a real impact with their purchasing", says Mandy Richards, founder at Global Sisters, and Pro Bono Australia Impact 25 winner. "Every dollar spent is making an impact on women- businesses in Australia. Sales from the Marketplace are generating income and financial sovereignty for women and creating a positive ripple throughout their communities", Mandy continues.
Global Sisters are aiming to sell 1000 hampers with thoughtfully handpicked wares put together by a collective of local makers that will see the Sisters earn $100,000. The not-for-profit has mentored over 5500 culturally and socially diverse Australian women to help them to become financially independent. They have facilitated $5.6 million in pro-bono support from corporate partners including Unilever, Google, Vogue Australia, David Jones, and more. Every purchase makes a difference to a female-founded Australian micro-business. Shop Global Sisters Marketplace.
