Partners /
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.
Read the story /
Enterprise as a path to independence
Kate is a single mother of three living in Geelong, Victoria, rebuilding her life after domestic violence and the trauma of nearly losing her life during childbirth.
Living in a regional town has compounded the challenges of parenting alone and managing financial strain, while she navigates a complex Income Support system and works to take her first steps into self-employment. Despite these challenges, she has held onto a vision for a social enterprise designed to support other parents like her.
Her idea is a social enterprise travel app designed for families often overlooked by the travel industry, particularly solo parents and those on low incomes. The app helps parents create affordable, childfriendly itineraries and discover local adventures, making travel and connection more accessible.
Through Global Sisters she has completed My Big Idea and Sister School, and is now enrolled in First 10 Customers to prepare for market. She has developed a brand, secured practical tools including a laptop and phone plan, and translated her vision into a pitch deck, market research and draft financials.
To be reassured that being nervous, scared and overwhelmed is normal was the biggest thing for me. It made me feel part of a wonderful community where I can be safe in both feeling those things and succeeding.”
Her next step is to launch her app, laying the foundation for her family’s financial independence while building a venture designed to open opportunities for others.
Global Sisters ensures women recovering from violence are building financial independence through self-employment. Support includes business skills, networks and advocacy to remove welfare barriers, opening pathways to long term economic security.
