Global Sisters

Global Sisters supports women to achieve financial independence through self-employment, focusing on those recovering from domestic and family violence or facing other barriers to economic security. Its model blends long term business education, one on one coaching, micro-finance, marketing support, and community connection so women can build sustainable incomes on their own terms.

With support from the Judith Neilson Foundation, Global Sisters has launched its first place-based initiative in Geelong, Victoria. Beginning in 2025, this program unites community organisations, local government, and national partners to deliver a coordinated response to women’s economic recovery.

The Geelong PLACE program is also part of Global Sisters’ systems change agenda for welfare reform for self-employment. It aims to show that women affected by DFV can be self-employed and move off welfare over time. Evidence from the program will contribute to Global Sisters’ advocacy for reform of a welfare system that currently creates hard barriers and has a punitive impact on women pursuing self-employment when mainstream jobs aren’t the right fit.

Over three years, Geelong PLACE will support 100 women to start micro-businesses and build lasting financial stability, while cultivating a local network of 200 supporters for women led enterprise. As the first of its kind in Australia, this collective impact model offers a blueprint for inclusive, community-driven economic development. Learn more about the Geelong PLACE initiative, and Global Sisters.