We are excited to share our evidence-based insights into how Global Sisters supports our Sisters and the impact we have on their lives. This report covers one year from 1 April 2021- 30 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 support 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 toward achieving 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
Extensive external data and academic research show that when you support one woman, this ripples out to positively impact others in their family and community. Our data demonstrates that this is true for our Sisters through the impact of their business income, empowerment, and ethical business practices.
The below Impact Roadmap visualises the steps a Sister will take from starting her business to achieving long term economic security for her and her family. Hover over each stage of the interactive roadmap to see evidence of Global Sisters impact on each stage of a Sisters Journey to long-term economic security.
Lack of confidence
Lack of connection & support
Lack of business skills and acumen
Financial barriers
After 6 months or more with Global Sisters, of the Sisters surveyed:
48% of female entrepreneurs3 lack guidance from competent and experienced advisors. However, in the last year, with Global Sisters facilitation:
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.
This income average of $1162 per month can supplement or replace other household income to increase economic security.
After 6 months or more with Global Sisters, Sisters surveyed are creating jobs for themselves and earning income through their business.
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.
are earning more than $2000 monthly business income
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.
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.
(no savings, or savings of less than two months household income)
After 6 months or more with Global Sisters, there is a:
increase in Sisters who can raise $2000 if needed in an emergency
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:
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.
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
Poverty Reduction
11.8% of the population, including 750,000 children, were living in poverty in early 20228.
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:
more likely to have access to an emergency fund
are now earning income from their business
is the average monthly business income being earned by these Sisters
higher than their business income before starting with Global Sisters
Ethical businesses
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.
Click on the button below to skip to more extensive insights on how we impact our Sisters, or keep reading for an introduction to our work, intended outcomes, impact measurement methodology, as well as an introduction to our Sisters, and the intersecting barriers they face.
Make business possible
Support women to start earning an income
Help women achieve a sustained income
Help women build long-term economic security for themselves
Impact communities through the ripple effect of increased economic security for women
Global Sisters provides a roadmap of long-term business education, incubation and acceleration support to women. Depending on their stage of business and individual needs, Sisters can choose the programs and tools that they need to launch and grow their business. Our programs and tools are categorised into business education, business coaching, microfinance and sales & marketing support. Every Sister’s journey is different however their more iterative approach to business means that long-term, flexible and practical support, underpinned by a supportive community and connections, is key to our model. The below figure provides a summary of the programs and tools provided by Global Sisters.
#GOODbusiness embedded throughout the roadmap of support.
Connection to community, networks and opportunities.
Through extensive discovery research and evaluations of our programs, we know that sisters require a range of support to build sustainable businesses that will support their long-term economic security. For women to achieve long-term financial resilience through self-employment, they need help to develop their business knowledge and skills, build a solid and influential business community, and build confidence in their businesswomen abilities. Progress in these areas is required to achieve our ultimate goal of business women who are economically secure throughout their lives, including in a crisis. When women are empowered, they support those around them and positively influence their families, community and society. This is referred to as the ripple effect, which we will discuss more in this report. Our approach to these outcomes for our sisters is represented in our six impact domains below. These six impact domains (business acumen, connection, enterprise, financial resilience, empowerment and influence) are the core outcomes of Global Sisters and are visualised in the image below.
Our Sisters’ achievement against each of these impact domains happens over time and supports them to progress through their business journey, towards long term economic security. The below ‘Impact Roadmap’ visualises the steps a Sister will take from starting her business to achieving economic security for her and her family. Note the Sister Impact domain icons below each step of the journey to see which impact domain supports each step of the journey.
Long-term positive outcomes for our Sisters are why Global Sisters exists, and we are committed to an evidence-based approach to designing and running our programs. In early 2022 we conducted a point-in-time evaluation to ensure a better understanding of our Sisters’ needs and our success in achieving our six impact domains.
Sisters
were the focus of this report and engaged throughout one year from 1 April 2021-31 March 2022
Baseline survey
657 Sisters
was the survey baseline of Sisters near the start of their journey (straight after Sisters’ school, before they embark on our other programs)
2022 Impact Survey
132 Sisters
completed our Impact Survey in April 2022, with 24 comprehensive questions mapped against our impact domains that compare directly to our baseline survey questions.
Sister chats
26 Sisters
were spoken with directly
Internal data
Global Sisters is powered by data. We collect information on who our Sisters are and their progress throughout their journey.
Insights from Global Sisters discovery research
Research such as ‘The real barriers to women’s employment and business startups’ in 2021 in which we surveyed 193 Australian women.
External Data
Global Sisters is constantly reviewing external data to understand the context in which we work. We drew on this data to interrogate and validate our findings.
We gathered all of the above data, interrogated it and pulled out the key insights found throughout this report. We have chosen to use videos, visuals and interactive content to centre the voice of our Sisters throughout this report and ensure that this report can be read, viewed and understood by all.
Our Sisters live all over Australia in cities and rural areas. Their diversity of lived experiences, such as age, migration, single parenting and living with a disability, motivate and inspire them to develop uniquely tailored business ideas that will provide safety, meaning and value to their lives. However, due to their backgrounds and circumstances, they face intersecting barriers to stable mainstream employment that would support them and their families to thrive. Throughout 2021-2022 we continued to see a large number of Sisters over the age of 50 or from migrant and refugee backgrounds engaging with our community. Many Sisters are unemployed or in unstable or inappropriate employment that does not allow them to feel financially safe or prepared for a crisis. In a COVID landscape, this feeling of security and preparedness for a crisis is more critical than ever.
Women in Australia have consistently faced significant barriers to economic security, and COVID has exacerbated these issues. Data shows that women were hit hardest by COVID, which is particularly true for our Sisters, for whom COVID has added to or increased the impact of barriers already standing in their way.
“The COVID recession dealt a heavier blow to women than men, but women also began the crisis on an uneven footing. The recession came on top of existing economic vulnerabilities for women: women are more likely to be in casual and insecure work, more likely to be employed part-time, and typically earn less per hour. The downturn will widen the lifetime earnings gaps that result from these vulnerabilities and is expected to further extend the already glacial timeframe for achieving gender equality”8.
Since COVID, there are
fewer women in jobs compared to 9k men9
The two worst affected industries during lockdown were majority female employees (arts & recreation and hospitality)10
of Sisters were unemployed or in unstable or unsuitable employment
when they started with Global Sisters
of government income support recipients are women
48% of sister households were receiving government support before joining Global Sisters, and for 38%, this is their primary source of income.
There are
single mothers on government income support payments
10% of our Sisters are single mothers
Financial security
Two indicators of financial security are the level of a woman’s personal savings and superannuation accounts
In 2015–16, the median superannuation balance at, or approaching, 55–64 years for women was
lower for women
at $96,000 – considerably lower than $166,300 for men12″
of our Sisters have no savings or savings of less than two months household income before joining Global Sisters
Single Mothers
of our single mothers do not have access to $2000 in an emergency
sighted age and lack of flexibility as a critical barrier to finding workfrom respondents to Global Sisters research into ‘the real barriers to women's employment and start up’13
Women over 50
Older women are increasingly economically vulnerable due to lower lifetime income, less access to financial assets such as superannuation because they are more likely to fulfil unpaid caring responsibilities, relationship breakdown, and the consequences of family and domestic abuse.
Between 2006-2016 Census data shows there was a
increase in older women experiencing homelessness14
Of respondents to Global Sisters research into ‘the real barriers to women’s employment and start up’
cited age discrimination as a critical barrier to finding employment15
First Nations Sisters
There are a multitude of barriers to First Nations women having economic security, with significant barriers to access to culturally safe workplaces.
First Nations women are
more likely to ‘often or very often be unfairly treated at work than Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander women who work in culturally safe businesses, and 20 times more likely to hear racial or ethnic slurs16
Of our First Nations women before joining Global Sisters
did not have access to $2000 to support them during them an emergency.
Women living with disability
Women with disabilities face a unique set of barriers to accessing mainstream employment, such as discrimination, scarcity of jobs that meet their physical or intellectual abilities and need to take time off or do shortened hours17.
Only
of women with disabilities are in the workforce
compared to 58% of men with disabilities, and 72% of all women18.
Of our Sisters with disabilities
did not have access to $2000 to support them during them an emergency before joining Global Sisters.
Migrant or refugee women
Our Sisters from migrant and refugee backgrounds report facing barriers such as discrimination, lack of employment networks and language barriers to finding suitable mainstream employment.
did not have access to $2000 in an emergency
before joining Global Sisters.
Regional/Rural
Our Sisters living in regional/rural areas report that the availability of full-time stable work is a significant barrier to finding suitable mainstream employment. Other barriers include limited services for support with mental health and family violence.
did not have access to $2000 in an emergency
before joining Global Sisters.
In 2021 Global Sisters conducted research into the key barriers women face to finding employment or starting a business. The full report is available here. The 193 research participants cited the following as being the biggest barriers to them finding stable and suitable employment.
Top 3 barriers to women finding work:
Age discrimination
Lack of flexibility
Confidence
Of the respondents that did find work only a third experienced job satisfaction. The top three reasons being:
Work was insecure (54% of all respondents & 64% of single mothers described employment as insecure) - watch one of our Sisters talk about her experience of working in casual or unstable jobs here: https://vimeo.com/712744318
Work was low paid
Work was unfulfilling
As evidenced the economic security of women in Australia has a long way to go
Mainstream employment is not providing suitable options for many women in Australia. Therefore women are turning to self-employment, by setting up their own business that allow them to find value and meaning, and provide a stable and long term income for them and their family. Setting up a business in Australia is a brave and challenging task and there are a multitude of barriers women need to overcome in order to succeed. Global Sisters builds our programs to support women to overcome these barriers so that they can achieve their financial and personal goals and feel security.
Our research19 and our baseline survey (a total of 849 respondents combined) indicates that top barriers to women starting a business are:
Lack of confidence
Lack of connection and support
Lack of business skills and acumen
Financial barriers
Other barriers regularly mentioned were:
Caring responsibilities for children or family
Health issues or living with a disability
Family violence and abuse
Mental health
Discrimitation
Watch our Sisters share some of the barriers they faced when setting up their business:
The following sections of this report outline our impact over the year in more detail, exploring our progress and impact on each of our six impact domains:
Connection
Enterprise
Business Acumen
Financial Resilience
Empowerment
Influence
A strong business network and a community of support are essential for the success of any business
Business is highly relational, with strong networks, relationships and trust leading to funding and sales opportunities, partnerships and brand awareness. Far from being isolated (heroic) individuals, entrepreneurs gain multiple benefits from warm and trusting interactions with various people. As outlined in a report by the Australian Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, women entrepreneurs lack the same access to support and professional networks as men, as well as facing barriers such as gender bias when pitching their business to funders or trying to build brand awareness and business partnerships.
Women-focused support networks exist, however these are often accessible or targeted to women from more privileged backgrounds and not appropriate for many of our Sisters due to their background and intersecting vulnerabilities. Therefore as well as facing gender barriers building strong business networks, our Sisters are also impacted by biases such as racism, ableism, ageism and classism.
There is also a lack of visibility in the business sector, with women being less likely to know an entrepreneur whom they can collaborate with or turn to for advice and support. In response to this, Global Sisters puts a strong emphasis on supporting women to connect through the Global Sisters community and connects Sisters with expert coaches, business connections and pro bono support who help them break through gender and intersectional bias and give them access to opportunities they otherwise would not have had. This is an essential outcome for our Sisters on the road to making business possible and supporting them to build long-term economic security.
Sisters were connected with specialist coaches
Ongoing and point-in-time support for things like finances, legal support (including patenting), taxation advice, and ongoing supportive coaching over several months to help Sisters make their first sales. Our coaches are experts in their sector and include senior leadership professionals from organisations such as Visa, Afterpay, Hubspot, AMP Vogue Australia, Delia Group/Providoor and Nestle Oceania.
Sisters participated in Global Sisters’ annual Sister Pitch
in which they were provided with intensive support to develop their business pitch, paired with a CEO mentor and provided support and networks from a panel of sector experts. You can jump to learn more about the impact of Sister Pitch here. As a result, the Sisters were provided with exciting opportunities, including:
A sales partnership offering from Beechworth Honey
Bondi Wash stocking sister products in their stores
Pro bono customer journey strategy support from Boston Consulting Group
Pro bono legal and compliance support from Maddocks
Sisters participated in our Sister School Sister Pitches
This is a supportive event where Sisters practice developing a business pitch and pitching it to business professionals for feedback and network support.
Sisters joined our closed Sister Facebook Community
This brings our total members to 1652 Sisters, which sees high level engagement from our Sisters
In one year
of pro bono support from corporates and businesses
was provided to our Sisters
of pro bono support
has been provided to our Sisters since Global Sisters started
Sisters are significantly increasing their networks and business community
through engagement with Global Sisters, with DOUBLE the number of Sisters reporting that they have the networks and community they need to lead their business after six months or more engagement with Global Sisters (this is a 112% increase compared to before sisters joined Global Sisters).
Sisters benefit from connection to essential networks and support from business experts
Women lack the same access to a professional network as men and therefore lack access to important relationships and opportunities for business success. Sisters report the important benefits of the coaching, sales opportunities and networking introductions provided by Global Sisters.
Sisters are ‘no longer alone’ and are now operating with a community of support
This community provides a safety net where Sisters can access information and accountability and build confidence in facing barriers. Sisters can also form mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations. As stated above, female entrepreneurs are less likely to have other entrepreneurs; therefore, starting a business can be an isolating experience. This prevents many women from taking risks and feeling confident enough to do so. Many of our Sisters report that having the community of support provided by Global Sisters staff, networks and other Sisters has been essential for them in pursuing and succeeding in their business journey.
Global Sisters provides networks to women who lack access to business networks
This includes women from migrant and refugee backgrounds who do not have strong networks in Australia and women living regionally & rurally. Global Sisters connects to essential business experts and enables women with similar and diverse circumstances to connect, such as women living regionally throughout Australia who might otherwise feel relatively isolated. These women can share their stories and successes and support each other to overcome obstacles in their way.
Global Sisters support significantly impacts our Sisters’ understanding of the Australian business landscape and their knowledge of running and growing businesses
As identified by many of our Sisters, this learning does not happen at a point in time; instead, knowledge continues to build and increase as they progress through Sister School, our coaching programs, business meet-ups and presentations from business experts and ongoing engagement with our Sister Facebook Community. Through Sisters, School business education program, Sisters are provided with necessary foundational knowledge. As they start to set up, launch and grow their business, they can continue to ask questions, test ideas and learn from the Global Sisters community as they need.
completed our 12-week or intensive Sister School program
Sisters completed our First 10 Customers coaching program
Sisters engaged in our Industry circles
A significant increase in Sisters’ business acumen
Global Sisters’ suite of programs and support focused on foundational and up-to-date business knowledge is significantly increasing Sisters’ business acumen, including their understanding of business and business finances, providing Sisters with access to valuable knowledge from business experts and providing them with the information they need to take their business to the next level. Hear more about this from our Sisters in the videos below.
agree/strongly agree that they have the skills and knowledge to run a business
when surveyed after engaging with Global Sisters for at least six months. This is a 20% increase compared before sisters joined Global Sisters*.
NB: Sisters fill in the baseline survey after completing Global Sisters Sister School (a 12-week business education course). Therefore should the baseline be conducted before the sister school, we expect this increase to be significantly higher.
Global Sisters business education is unique in that it was designed by women, for women, and tailored to the needs of women led micro-businesses
Women setting up micro-businesses have specific learning needs and styles and face a range of barriers different to those faced by men. Global Sisters successfully addresses these needs and barriers leading to an increase in business acumen for our Sisters. Watch the video to hear our Sister share how Global Sisters suited her business style and approach.
Sisters’ business acumen continues to increase
Having ongoing access to the Global Sister community and programs means Sisters’ business acumen continues to increase as they set up and grow their business. Sisters can return to the community to access specific information relevant to their business needs and overcome hurdles they face. Watch the video below to hear two of our Sisters talk more about this.
The Global Sisters programs support women from diverse backgrounds, ages and abilities with varying degrees of business knowledge
They support women to build business acumen by using accessible teaching styles and resources and by providing essential knowledge on the Australian business landscape needed by women from migrant or refugee backgrounds.
Through the provision of tailored business education and solid networks and support, Global Sisters is making business possible for our Sisters
Global Sisters has mapped out the business stages from pre-idea to growth and helps Sisters progress through them to develop sustainable businesses.
Pre-Idea
“I’m interested to see if business is something I would like to explore”
Idea
“I have found a business solution to my customers’ problem – and this idea could really work!”
Set-Up
“My idea has been developed further and I am ready to make some sales”
Launch
“I have my first 10 customers, I have chosen a business model & I know I can make a profit”
Start-Up
“My business is on the path to breaking even. Access to experts and networks will help my achieve my goal”
Growth
“I’m the proud owner of a profitable business that’s helping me achieve my goals”
Sisters are setting themselves up for success
Sisters are spending increasing amounts of time working on their business
Sisters are progressing through the business stages, from pre-idea to growth
Sisters are making sales, allowing them to test their products and refine their strategy
Sisters are increasing their sales
especially post-COVID lockdowns, which negatively affected many businesses
Sisters are hiring employees
Sisters are setting themselves up for success
They are developing robust business plans, e-commerce platforms and social media channels for their businesses.
of sister respondents have finalised or almost finalised a business plan after six months or more with Global Sisters
of our Sisters have social media channels for their business
of sister respondents have or are currently developing online sales channels
Sisters are spending the time to work on and grow their businesses
of sister respondents who have been with Global Sisters for six months or more use their smartphone every day/several times a day to work on their business
Sisters are spending an average of
hours per month
working on their business; after six months or more of engaging with Global Sisters
of sister respondents who have been with Global Sisters for six months or more use a laptop, tablet or computer every day/several times a day to work on their business
Sisters are progressing through the business stages
After six months or more of engaging with Global Sisters:
of Sisters have launched or are growing their business
of these Sisters are currently in the growth stage
of Sisters plan to be in the growth stage in three months
Sisters start making sales early on in their journey
Our consultations with Sisters indicated that the support provided by Global Sisters through the Global Sisters Marketplace, our First 10 Customers program and the connections and knowledge provided leads to Sisters making sales early in their business journey. This allows Sisters to test and refine their products and processes in different markets and, with the support of the Global Sisters community, to improve business success.
Online sales increases
We are seeing many examples of businesses continuing to increase their online sales with support from Global Sisters Marketplace. Additionally, the end of COVID restrictions is helping sales for many businesses.
Increasing sales means that some Sisters start hiring employees to meet demand
This benefits the sister as it allows her to expand her capacity to meet sale requests and also provides employment for others in the community. As discussed in the ‘influence’ section below, many Sisters are focused on hiring employees who face barriers to traditional employment, such as women with disabilities and mothers who require flexibility. This provides employment opportunities to people who may struggle to find work that suits their needs.
of Sisters had hired employees within the last year
48 employees were hired by the respondents in the last year. Of the businesses that are hiring employees, the average number of employees is 2.2
When we extrapolate this hiring pattern to all our engaged Sisters throughout the year, we can estimate that:
sister businesses have hired employees in the last year
new jobs have been created through Sister businesses
Global Sisters is successfully supporting women to increase their financial resilience and progress towards building long-term economic security for themselves and their families.
Earn a regular business income
are earning an income from their business
21% increase compared to before Sisters joined Global Sisters
is the average monthly business income
for Sisters whose businesses have started earning them an income
is the average monthly business income
taking into account Sisters who are not yet earning an income
Transition off government support payments
have decreased or ended reliance on government support completely
Have financial security to weather a crisis
increase in Sisters who have at least 3 months of household income
can raise $2000 in an emergency
23% increase compared to before joining Global Sisters
Use time more efficiently to bring in profits
Sisters are building their business acumen and are learning how to use their time to increase sales and profit
Sisters’ businesses are moving from the growth to set up stages and therefore their time is equating to income generation
COVID had a significant impact on Sisters’ business income
The ability to run face-to-face elements of their business
Many Sisters make a significant portion of their income at local markets. Needs are essential for many Sisters as their brand and story are crucial to selling their product, so speaking with customers face-to-face significantly increases their sales.
Being able to focus on the day-to-day running of their business
Rather than pivoting and adapting to COVID they can now focus on increasing sales.
Sister’s financial goals differ, with some Sisters aiming to earn 100% of household income through their business and others looking for their business to supplement other household incomes.
were looking for their business to supplement another household income
rather than looking to earn a full-time income
Have access to another household member’s income
rely on a family member as their primary source of income, i.e. a partner’s income
Are in a safe, healthy relationship that they can rely on for financial safety
Australian women will experience violence from an intimate partner22. In instances where DV occurs, it is likely necessary for a woman to have her source of income.
Have other income streams, such as part-time employment
are earning a percentage of their income from traditional employment
The stability of their employment, e.g., whether they are in an unstable job that they can’t solely rely on for sustained income
were in casual/precarious employment whilst setting up or growing their business
Are a single parent who is solely responsible for bringing in income
of Global Sisters engaged Sisters are single mums
The importance of women earning a supplemental income
was the cost of living rise last year, with wages rising only23
This increase in the cost of living is the largest since the introduction of the GST in Australia 20 years ago24. As a result, 867,000 Australians now work two jobs, according to the latest ABS statistics – more than any other before 1994, when the bureau started25.
Poverty in Australia is increasing, with the Henderson Poverty Line rising by $35 a week between June and September 2021
a day is the minimum needed for a single person in Australia to sit above the poverty line26
11.8% of the population, including 750,000 children, were living in poverty in early 2022, a decrease from previous figures due to the COVID June relief payments. However, these figures are expected to rise significantly with the cessation of COVID Job Keeper payments and the increased cost of living 27.
Despite the increases in business income and savings there was a decrease of
in the number of Sisters who can quickly meet daily living expenses ‘easily or very easily’
This is compared to the baseline collected over the last two years for Sisters surveyed who have been with Global Sisters for six months or more.
When broken down by demographic, our data shows that
all our target demographics increase their average business income
after six months or more with Global Sisters.
Despite business income increasing for all our target demographics, due to intersecting external barriers, some demographics are less likely to be able to raise $2000 in a crisis compared to before Sisters joined Global Sisters. These exceptionally vulnerable groups include women with disabilities and single mothers. This decrease in vulnerable women’s financial safety net, despite increasing business income, further highlights the devastating impact that COVID and the rising cost of living in Australia are having on our society’s most vulnerable groups.
NB: The following figures are for sisters who have been with Global Sisters six months or longer and average calculations include Sisters who have not yet started earning an income, and are therefore conservative calculations.
Migrant or refugee
The average income for migrant or refugee Sisters surveyed is
higher
is the average monthly business income.
Compared to an average of $150 per month for this demographic before Sisters joined Global Sisters.
increase in migrant Sisters who could raise $2000 in an emergency.
36% compared to 58% before joining Global Sisters.
Regional/Rural
The average income for regional and rural Sisters surveyed is
higher
is the average monthly business income.
Compared to the average income of $218 before joining Global Sisters.
increase in regional/rural Sisters who could raise $2000 in an emergency.
52% compared to 42% before joining Global Sisters.
Over 50s
The average income for Sisters over 50 surveyed is more than
higher
is the average monthly business income.
Compared to an average of $145 per month for this demographic before joining Global Sisters.
increase in Sisters over 50 who could raise $2000 in an emergency.
62% compared to 48% before joining Global Sisters.
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander*
The average monthly income for First Nations Sisters surveyed has
Doubled
is the average monthly business income.
Compared to an average of $194 per month for this demographic before Sisters joined Global Sisters.
increase in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Sisters who could raise $2000 in an emergency.
Compared to 22% before joining Global Sisters.
NB: the sample size for First Nations Sisters is small; therefore, our survey data alone cannot determine strong insights. (N: 4 Impact survey Respondents, compared to N:9 baseline respondents).
Single Mums
The average income for single mother Sisters surveyed has
Doubled
is the average monthly business income.
Compared to $186 before joining Global Sisters.
decrease in single mothers who could raise $2000 in an emergency.
38% compared to 45% before joining Global Sisters.
Disability
Based on Sisters surveyed, Sisters with disabilities take a little longer to earn an income than other demographics. After one year or more with Global Sisters:
is the average monthly business income.
Compared to an average income of $204 before joining Global Sisters.
decrease in Sisters with a disability who can raise $2000 in an emergency.
11% compared to 32% before joining Global Sisters
We are seeing early instances of impact with 15% of Sisters earning more than $2000 a month from their business
Sisters are successfully progressed from setting up a business, starting to earn an income, to making a sustained income and building long-term economic security for themselves. These figures are from Sister respondents who had been with Global Sisters six months or longer.
Sisters are earning $5000+ monthly business income
Sisters are earning between $2000-$5000 monthly business income
Sisters are earning a $1000-$1500 monthly business income
Hear from our Sisters
Watch a video of one of these Sisters talk about her journey to economic security, and read the case studies about her and two other Sisters who are successfully building long-term economic security for themselves in the case studies.
At Global Sisters, empowerment for our Sisters means they perceive themselves as businesswomen with dignity, freedom and choice
This is one of the most significant impacts our Sisters report, with their business success and the Global Sisters community providing them with newfound confidence and changing their perceptions of themselves and their hope for the future.
increase in women who are confident/ fairly confident to work under stress74% of Sisters report this after six months or more with Global Sisters
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
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
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
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
Sisters feel more hope for their future due to the meaning, purpose and choice that their business brings to their life
Often women, particularly from groups experiencing vulnerabilities, choose employment based on necessity and to fit in with other factors in their lives, such as their caring responsibilities for children and family. It is a widespread reflection from Sisters that becoming a businesswoman and being able to support themselves and their family doing something that matters to them is the most significant impact of Global Sisters. These changes have flow-on effects to enhance sister wellbeing, mental health and happiness. Watch the videos below to hear our Sisters discuss this further.
Global Sisters knows that when you support a woman, this naturally ripples out to benefit others
It is a typical pattern amongst our Sisters that early on in their journey, they express plans to build up a business that will positively help others, either through the way they run their business in line with good business principles, through hiring people from groups that experience barriers to employment, by reinvesting their profits back into a social cause, or by leading the way and removing barriers for other women who will follow them.
This evaluation highlighted several ways in which our sister businesses are not only improving their lives, but that benefits are also rippling out to their families and communities. These include:
Financial ripple effects
Sisters supporting others to break down barriers
Role modelling and inspiring others
Paying it forward through responsible business
Enhancing the visibility of female-run business principles within a male-dominated sector
Profits from sister businesses are reinvested back into sister families and communities
As Sisters are often from backgrounds or circumstances that face vulnerability, this is a significant investment into the economic security of vulnerable families and communities around Australia.
A phenomenon called the multiplier effect has been widely proven and has informed gender empowerment policies and investments in Australia and internationally.
When you invest in women, they re-invest
back into their families and communities
This rate is considered exceptionally high, especially as the publicised average for men is only between 30 to 40 per cent28.
Based on this data and the average monthly business income
we can conservatively estimate our Sisters have re-invested over
back into their families and community in the last year alone
See our methodology for calculating this estimation hereThe average monthly income = $772 (including Sisters who aren’t yet earning a business income), multiplied by 1101 engaged sisters for this reporting period, with a 90% reinvestment rate = a conservative estimate of $9.1 million reinvestment into Sister families and communities..
Influence & story
As Sisters progress along the business stages and build up their economic security, many express desires to use their influence and story to actively support other women facing businesses to employment or starting their businesses. This includes supporting other women in their communities or from a similar experience and returning to Global Sisters as mentors or coaches to help other Sisters.
Our sister businesses are ‘paying it forward’ by adopting ethical business principles
#GoodBusiness is a core principle of Global Sisters are; therefore, we attract and target women who are focused on creating a business that is:
Women-led
Eco-conscious
Kind to animals
Community minded
In addition, for Sisters to be eligible to sell on the marketplace, businesses need to fit with multiple ethical criteria for being a marketplace seller. See the Impact Case Study: Global Sisters Marketplace section for more information.
Handmade
Australia Made
Recycled or Upcycled
Vegan
Social Enterprise
Certified Organic
Indigenous Business
Eco Packaging
Natural Materials
Plastic Free
Even early in their business journeys, Sisters are reporting that they are inspiring and role modelling to others around them
This includes the younger generation, their children, other women interested in finding more suitable or meaningful work and others in society. Visibility of women in the business sector is not enough, and therefore seeing others similar to you achieve their goals is extremely important for enabling more women to set up businesses to support their economic security in the long term.
With a male-dominated business landscape, it can be difficult for women to break in and succeed without adhering to more male ways of doing business
The visibility of female-run companies is essential as it breaks down barriers such as unconscious bias and legitimises how many women prefer or need to do business. Through research29 and experiential evidence, we have seen trends in how women approach business. How our Sisters approach, business fits with global trends for female entrepreneurs. These include:
They take a collaborative approach to business
They build their business around their needs
such as family, caring etc. Flexibility is often more important than for men.
They are looking to build a sense of control in their lives, which builds their confidence
They are not risk-averse but consider risks, as they often have other dependents or people they are responsible for supporting
They aim for a steady growth rate, with a focus on sustainability
They often have a focus on ‘good business’, with sustainability and social good in mind
Watch two of our Sisters discuss this further:
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 Journey Maps. These maps step through the timeline of where a sister started and the barriers in her way, how she interacted with Global Sisters and the impact of these interactions, and where she is now and planning to go next. In line with the style of this report, we have used a video format to enhance accessibility and humanise our Sisters and their experiences.
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
30 passionate Sisters presented their businesses to 30 CEOs as part of the Global Sisters 2021 Sister Pitch event
Curated groups of 5 CEOs and their 5 Sisters met in virtual private breakout rooms where women pitched their businesses for support via advice, networks and business opportunities. Sisters were provided extensive support from Global Sisters to prepare, including refining their pitches, articulating their strategy and what offers of help they needed from the CEOs.
This evaluation highlighted five key impacts from the 2021 Sister Pitch that align without key impact domains and themes throughout this report. These key impacts of Sister Pitch included:
Sister Pitch will accelerate the growth of their businesses
Sisters are no longer alone on their journey – they are part of a strong community of female entrepreneurs
Sisters are connected to influential networks they could not have accessed prior
Sisters now have more substantial confidence and belief in themselves as businesswomen
Sisters have a clearer business strategy and clarity of what it will take to achieve
Sisters received partnership offers and pro bono support to grow their business. These outlined previously in this report, these offers include:
A partnership offering from Beechworth Honey
Bondi Wash stocking sister products in their stores
Pro bono customer journey strategy support from Boston Consulting Group
Pro bono legal and compliance support from Maddocks
Watch our Sisters discuss these impacts and their experience of sister pitch.
In November 2020, we launched the first online marketplace dedicated to women-led micro-businesses & social enterprises
The aim was to provide a fast, efficient & affordable solution to selling online, alongside the complete suite of wrap-around business support & an uplifting community. This was particularly important during the COVID lockdowns, as Sisters who primarily sold face-to-face required an easy e-commerce platform. To provide further support, Global Sisters also runs digital marketing campaigns throughout the year and offer free professional product photography to our marketplace Sisters to increase the professionalism and visibility of their brand.
The ethical criteria for joining the marketplace requires businesses to meet some or all of the following:
Handmade
Australia Made
Recycled or Upcycled
Vegan
Social Enterprise
Certified Organic
Indigenous Business
Eco Packaging
Natural Materials
Plastic Free
In 2022, the Global Sisters Marketplace had:
of our Sisters selling
products selling
orders placed with sister shops
worth of products purchased from our Sisters
Watch our Sisters discuss these impacts in the video below.
References:
1 https://impact.globalSisters.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GS220322-Womens-Barriers-Support-Needs-Paper.pdf
2 https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/09/21/overcoming-some-of-the-barriers-to-women-entrepreneurship/?sh=5cdfe9f42780
3 https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/business-law/women-underemployment-and-gender-inequality-labour-force
4 https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/dss-payment-demographic-data/resource/0a6df0ff-03a3-451e-a4b2-e0224e647379
5 https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-annual-report/contents/about
6 https://news.nab.com.au/news/three-quarters-of-aussies-keen-to-save-but-challenged-with-everyday-expenses/
7 https://bcec.edu.au/assets/2022/03/BCEC-Poverty-and-Disadvantage-Report-March-2022-FINAL-WEB.pdf
