Global Sisters Impact

Since Global Sisters began we have:

Supported

5,511

Women

Facilitated

$5.7m+

pro bono support for our Sisters, from corporates and businesses

Social Impact Reports

Themes

Sister
Stories

Systems
Change

Corporate Social Responsibility

Sustainable Development Goals

2022 Impact Snapshot

Increase Her Odds: Economic Security Re-designed with Women in Mind

The following provides a summary of our impact from 1 April 21- 31 March 2022.

Global Sisters exists to make business possible for women nationwide. Our purpose is to unlock women’s potential and support them to overcome any barriers so they can create their own employment via micro business and improve their long-term economic security.

In April 2022, Global Sisters conducted an in-depth Impact Evaluation to measure our direct impact on Sisters, the diverse women Global Sisters supports across Australia. Our impact data shows that Sisters are progressing through the stages of our Impact Roadmap (see interactive diagram below), from overcoming barriers to starting their business to a pathway to long-term economic security for themselves and their families.

Our evaluation showed that after six months or more with Global Sisters, the overwhelming majority of Sisters are participating economically and generating their own income. Our Sisters are more likely to be:

Improving their business acumen

Launching new businesses

Transitioning from government income support

Increasing their financial resilience

Creating a financial buffer to weather economic shocks

Creating new jobs by employing others

The Journey to Economic Security

Our data shows that Sisters are progressing along the Global Sisters Impact Roadmap towards long term economic security

Hover over the stages of the interactive Global Sisters Impact Roadmap and read through the information below to learn about the impact of Global SIsters on each stage of a Sisters journey to long-term economic security. Our 2022 Impact Report provides a more extensive overview of our impact. View the 2022 Impact Report here.

Our research1 shows that the top four barriers to women starting a business are:
  • Lack of confidence
  • Lack of connection and support
  • Lack of business skills and acumen
  • Financial barriers
After six months or more of engaging with Global Sisters, 79% of Sisters have launched or are growing their business. 67% of these Sisters did not have a business before joining Global Sisters

Global Sisters enabled over $1,000,000 in pro bono business support directly to our Sisters.72% of our Sisters are earning a business income after six months or more with Global Sisters.
For Sisters who have been with Global Sisters for six months or more and have started earning a business income, $1162 is the average monthly business income
15% of Sisters surveyed are earning more than $2000 monthly business income43% of Sister respondents who were on government support when they started with Global Sisters have decreased or ended their reliance on government support completely.17% increase in Sisters who have household savings of three months or more
23% increase in Sisters who can raise $2000 if needed in an emergency198 Sister businesses have hired employees in the last year, with 436 new jobs createdSisters have reinvested $9.1 million of business income into their families and community in the last year alone

Barriers

Our research1 shows that the top four barriers to women starting a business are:

Lack of confidence

Lack of connection & support

Lack of business skills and acumen

Financial barriers

“Meeting government income obligations but also wanting a more secure future for myself and my children – how do I manage the transition from one income stream to another?”

“Coming from another country, the lack of understanding of how to start business here limits what you can do”

“Creating a network for women, that men automatically have, that many women don’t”

Sister’s starting point

47

had not started their business yet

54

were in the start-up stage or beyond

Economic participation/job pathway

After 6 months or more with Global Sisters, of the Sisters surveyed:

71

agree/strongly agree they now have the skills and knowledge to run a business

79

have launched or are growing their business

67

did not have a business before joining Global Sisters

48% of female entrepreneurs3 lack guidance from competent and experienced advisors. However, in the last year, with Global Sisters facilitation:

295

women were connected with expert business coaches & pro bono support

$1,000,000

enabled in pro bono business support directly to our Sisters

“It was something I was missing. Sister School gave me more knowledge. It was eye opening and taught me things I didn’t know”

“Global Sisters is user friendly and not daunting. For people of non-English speaking backgrounds and no business experience would not get overwhelmed with the way it is presented”

“Not feeling so isolated. When you put a question out there you have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Global Sisters community”

“If I had any questions I could come and know they are going to guide me”

“We lift each other up. They have skills, knowledge and connections I don’t have and we share them with each other”

Job creation

Women are more likely to be underemployed than men in Australia (10.3% compared to 8.5%) and therefore are less likely to have adequate income to stay above the poverty line4.

72

of Sisters are earning a business income after six months or more with Global Sisters

This income average of $1162 per month can supplement or replace other household income to increase economic security.

“We can actually take the business globally (as a result of Sister Pitch). We have a prototype that needs to be tested. It will be really exciting to test our reach globally”

“I did a lot of markets at the end of last year and it went really well. It shows me customers like and buy my product”

Job & income sustained

After 6 months or more with Global Sisters, Sisters surveyed are creating jobs for themselves and earning income through their business.

1162

per month is the average income for Sisters who have started earning from their businesses

42

of Sisters are hoping to make a supplemental income through their business. For these Sisters the average income of $1162 achieves this goal. For the other 58% of Sisters who want their business to provide full time income, this is progress towards their goal.

15

are earning more than $2000 monthly business income

“Sales are increasing so much post-lockdowns. All the weddings and events are back. From now until the end of this year we are fully booked”

“I make sales on Global Sisters Marketplace due to their email campaigns, marketing, product photo shoots they do. They have helped me sell the products that I struggle to sell on my own website”

Welfare & other dependence reduced/eliminated

There are 437k women receiving Job Seeker payments  in Australia5; however, after six months or more with Global Sisters, Sisters earning a business income are receiving an average business income of $1162 a month, which is almost equal to Job Seeker. This means that Sisters who are consistently earning about the Job Seeker rate can therefore transition transition off Job Seeker or other welfare payments.

43

of Sisters respondents who were on government support when they started with Global Sisters have decreased or ended their reliance on government support completely

Women’s financial inclusion & assets

Two indicators of financial resilience are the amounts a person has in superannuation and savings. In 2015–16, the median superannuation balance at, or approaching, 55–64 years for women was $96,000, considerably lower than $166,300 for men6.

62

of Sisters have insufficient savings when joining Global Sisters

(no savings, or savings of less than two months household income)

After 6 months or more with Global Sisters, there is a:

23

increase in Sisters who can raise $2000 if needed in an emergency

Employ others

There are over 548,000 unemployed people in Australia. With Sister business increasing their income and sales, many Sisters need to hire employees, creating new jobs for others in society who may have previously struggled to find flexible or appropriate work. We estimate:

198

Sister businesses have hired employees in the last year

“I am ready to pass on my good fortunes. The girls that I employ are mothers like me. I am as flexible as possible so that these women can work as long as they want to”

436

new jobs have been created often targeted at women and people experiencing vulnerability

Long-term economic security and macro ripple effect

Ability to financially weather a crisis

1 in 10 Australians don’t have access to $2000 in an emergency7 but for our Sisters, often women experiencing vulnerability, this is significantly higher. Our data shows that a high number of our Sisters have a low level of economic security when starting at Global Sisters, however due to increasing and sustained business income, there is an increase in Sisters who are now have a financial buffer and security to weather economic shocks.

56

of Sisters are unsure whether they could raise this money if needed, before they joined Global Sisters.

However, after six months or more with Global Sisters, this percentage decreases by

22

Poverty Reduction

11.8% of the population, including 750,000 children, were living in poverty in early 20228.

We estimate Sisters have reinvested 

$9.1m

of business income into their families and community in the last year

Most of which are experiencing poverty or vulnerability (Estimation based on research and our data sample. See hereThis figure is based on evaluation data of 132 surveyed Sisters.  This data shows that the average income is $772 (including Sisters who aren't yet earning an income).  Therefore we can extrapolate these findings for our 1101 engaged Sisters throughout this period, assuming a 90% reinvestment rate based on external research9, to estimate $9.1 million.) for our methodology for this estimation).

Economic security for older women

Older women are the fastest-growing group at risk of homelessness in Australia, with a 40% increase in older women sleeping rough between 2006- 2016. However, after six months or more with Global Sisters, women over 50 are:

29

more likely to have access to an emergency fund

77

are now earning income from their business

745

is the average monthly business income being earned by these Sisters

3

higher than their business income before starting with Global Sisters

Ethical businesses

370

businesses are selling on The Global Sisters Marketplace that meet Global Sister’s GOODbusiness ethical criteria. These businesses have a focus on sustainable and ethical business practice and products. The ripple effects of women businesses operating in this way ripples out to benefit society.

Women Led

Eco-conscious

Kind to animals

Community minded

Visit the Marketplace

“It just strengthens me so much more and keeps my head clear everyday. Global Sisters is a massive massive force”

“I’m seeing examples of it working for other women. I’m like, WOW, if you are doing that I can do that to”

“There are alot of people in society who have a really rough time and find it difficult to take that step into employment. I want a studio where these women who are older or are experiencing family issues can come and work”

“Strangers who have family members with disabilities have contacted me to share that they find hope through my story. Global Sisters impact is more than business, the impact is not just on me, it’s on others around me, my family and the younger generation in Vietnam”

“I would like to influence other women. One of the factories I am ordering my products from is in Pakistan and run by a woman. So I will be supporting this woman. I believe what I am doing will open doors to others from the same or different backgrounds to me”

“Cultural and age barriers to women succeeding will start breaking down. I can be a support person for other women like me. The more women see these barriers are breaking the more women will have the confidence to come in and start their own business”

Impact Journey Maps

Each of our Sisters’ business journeys is unique, following different timelines, facing enablers and hurdles along the way, and requiring different levels and types of support from Global Sisters. To portray the way our suite of programs impacts Sisters at various stages of their journey, we have developed a series of interactive video Journey Maps.

Fabiola Campbell’s Business Journey

My business, Professional Migrant Women, works to grow migrant women’s visibility and representation across the Australian corporate landscape. Within less than a year of engagement with Global Sisters, I have continued to grow my confidence to advocate with high powered stakeholders, accelerated my business knowledge and significantly expanded my networks and awareness of my brand. My business has momentum and is growing rapidly with support from the Global Sisters community.

WATCH MY JOURNEY

Apply for large government grants ($1m+) to pay my wages and hire staff.Continue networking and building brand awareness with high level stakeholders and decision makersContinue to run advocacy events and experts panels:
www.professionalmigrantwomen.com.au/our-events/
Professional Migrant Women

Watch my journey

My Journey with Global Sisters
September 26, 2022

Introducing Karin Lee:
Florapeutic

Global Sisters has supported my business journey, from developing Florapeutic as an idea and start-up, to a growing business that is bringing in an income to support my financial resilience. Since joining…
globalsisters
My Journey with Global Sisters
September 12, 2022

Introducing Angie Poller:
Remedii

My business Remedii, is inspired and built from my lived experience of living with an incurable disease called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Since joining Global Sisters my business progress…
globalsisters
My Journey with Global Sisters
August 18, 2022

Introducing Fabiola Campbell: Professional Migrant Women

My business, Professional Migrant Women, works to grow migrant women's visibility and representation across the Australian corporate landscape. Within less than a year of engagement with Global Sisters, I have…
globalsisters

Who are our Sisters in 2021/2022?

Our Intended Impact

The impact of which will ripple out to contribute to Global Sisters four macro outcomes: child poverty, mental health and wellbeing, domestic violence and older women’s homelessness. These six domains and four macro outcomes are further outlined in the impact diagram below:

mobile

Impact against our six impact domains in 2021/2022

Business Acumen

Making Business Possible

Addressing one of the biggest barriers to women starting their own micro business, Global Sisters’ support significantly impacts our Sisters’ knowledge and skills in launching, running and growing businesses. This learning does not happen at a single point in time; instead, knowledge continues to build and increase as they progress through Sister School, business coaching & pro bono support programs and ongoing learning through expert and peer networks.

Between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022:

251
Sisters completed our Sister School

144
Sisters completed our
First 10 Customers Program

63
Sisters engaged in our
Industry Circles Program

71%
of Sisters who have engaged with Global Sisters for at least six months agree/strongly agree that they have the skills and knowledge to run a business (up 20% compared to when Sisters started)

Enterprise

Business Developing

Through provision of an in-depth roadmap of support, programs and tools, Global Sisters is making business possible for our Sisters.

After 6 months or more of engaging with Global Sisters, of Sisters surveyed:

79%

have launched or are growing their business67% of Sisters did not have a business when starting with Global Sisters

16% are currently in growth stage

67% plan to be in growth stage in 3 months

Sisters are setting themselves up for success by developing robust business plans, e-commerce platforms and social media channels for their businesses.

90%

of Sisters have, or are developing online sales channels

99% have social media channels for their business

87% have formulated a strategy for their business to enable successAfter six months or more with Global Sisters

Financial Resilience & Wellbeing

Increased Income

Global Sisters is successfully supporting women to increase their financial resilience and progress towards building long-term economic security for themselves and their families.

After 6+ months with Global Sisters, Sisters are more likely to:

Earn a regular business income

72% of Sisters surveyed are earning an income from their business (21% increase compared when Sisters started)
$1162 is the average monthly business income for Sisters whose businesses have started bringing in income

Transition off government support payment

43% of Sisters surveyed who were on government support when they started with Global Sisters have decreased or ended their reliance on government support completely

Have financial security to weather a crisis

54% of Sisters can raise $2000 if needed in an emergency (23% increase compared to when Sisters started)

Empowerment

Confidence

At Global Sisters, empowerment for our Sisters means they perceive themselves as businesswomen with dignity, freedom and choice. The Global Sisters community is providing our Sisters with newfound confidence and changing their perceptions of themselves and their hope for the future.

After six months or more with Global Sisters, we see significant increases in Sisters’ confidence in their skills and abilities as businesswomen.

45%
increase in women who are confident/ fairly confident to work under stress74% of Sisters report this after six months or more with Global Sisters

35%
increase in women who are confident/ fairly confident to come up with ideas83% of Sisters report this after six months or more with Global Sisters

2X
increase in women who are fairly/very confident in their ability to employ and train staff46% of Sisters report this after six months or more with Global Sisters

41%
increase in women who are fairly/very confident in their ability to develop and maintain business relationships73% of Sisters report this after six months or more with Global Sisters

44%
increase in women who are fairly/very confident in their ability to see new opportunities for their service or product63% of Sisters report this after six months or more with Global Sisters

 

Influence

Sister Leadership

Our data shows that our direct impact with our Sisters is rippling out to benefit their families, community and society as a whole. Based on this research and findings from our 2021/22 evaluation we can confidently estimate that over

$9.1This figure is based on evaluation data of 132 surveyed Sisters.  This data shows that the average income is $772 (including Sisters who aren't yet earning an income).  Therefore we can extrapolate these findings for our 1101 engaged Sisters throughout this period, assuming a 90% reinvestment rate based on external research9, to estimate $9.1 million.)
Million

of business income has been reinvested backBetween 1 April 2021- 31 March 2022 into our Sister’s families & communities

Our Sisters are also contributing positively by running their businesses: 

165 Sister
businesses

selling on the Global Sisters Marketplace that meet our good business ethical criteria.

Sisters are hiring employees and creating jobs:

198
Sister businesses have hired employees in the last year

436
new jobs were created through Sister businesses

Connection

Inclusive Community & Powerful Networks

Global Sisters is connecting women to business and support networks that women entrepreneurs often lack when they are starting out.

Over the year Global Sisters connected:

265
Sisters with specialist coaches for ongoing and point-in-time support

539
Sisters joined our closed Sister Facebook Community, bringing our total members to 1652 Sisters

136
Sisters participated in our sister pitch events, pitching their business to a panel of experts who provided guidance and offers of support

As a result

$1 million
of pro bono support from corporates and businesses was provided to our Sisters

The % of Sisters reporting that they have the networks and community they need to lead their business

has doubledafter six months or more engagement with Global Sisters (compared to the % of Sisters reporting this when they started)

Download this impact summary

Global Sisters 2021/2022 Impact Evaluation and impact data was possible thanks to the support of the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

References:
1 https://impact.globalSisters.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GS220322-Womens-Barriers-Support-Needs-Paper.pdf
2 https://impact.globalSisters.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GS220322-Womens-Barriers-Support-Needs-Paper.pdf
3 https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/09/21/overcoming-some-of-the-barriers-to-women-entrepreneurship/?sh=5cdfe9f42780
4 https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/business-law/women-underemployment-and-gender-inequality-labour-force
5 https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/dss-payment-demographic-data/resource/0a6df0ff-03a3-451e-a4b2-e0224e647379
6 https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-annual-report/contents/about
7 https://news.nab.com.au/news/three-quarters-of-aussies-keen-to-save-but-challenged-with-everyday-expenses/
8 https://bcec.edu.au/assets/2022/03/BCEC-Poverty-and-Disadvantage-Report-March-2022-FINAL-WEB.pdf
9 https://repository.library.georgetown.edu/bitstream/handle/10822/1043966/Perselay_georgetown_0076M_13617.pdf?sequence=1

References:
1 The real barriers to women’s employment & business startup
2 The real barriers to women’s employment & business startup
3 Overcoming Some Of The Barriers To Women Entrepreneurship
4 Women, underemployment and gender inequality in the labour force
5 DSS Demographics – June 2021
6 Specialist homelessness services annual report 2020–21
7 Three quarters of Aussies keen to save but challenged with everyday expenses
8 BCEC Poverty and Disadvantage Report – March 2022
9 Investigating the Women’s Multiplier Effect and Propensity for Community-Oriented Spending