Australian Not-for-Profit Global Sisters Receives $736,000 Grant to Empower Women with Disabilities & Carers

Global Sisters, a renowned Australian not-for-profit organization, has been awarded a substantial $736,000 grant from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google. The grant is earmarked for launching a transformative three-year pilot program aimed at empowering women with disabilities and their carers to achieve economic independence through self-employment opportunities.

Founded in 2016 by the visionary social entrepreneur Mandy Richards, Global Sisters is committed to tackling the barriers faced by women in accessing mainstream employment. The organization's approach centers on empowering women to establish income streams through self-employment, especially in circumstances where traditional job opportunities are limited.

With a particular focus on supporting micro-businesses led by marginalized women, including those with disabilities, Indigenous women, migrants, refugees, and women over 50, Global Sisters aims to bolster economic empowerment and promote inclusivity in the workforce.

The pilot program, fueled by Google.org's generous funding, is designed to provide women with disabilities and carers the necessary tools and resources for establishing sustainable micro-businesses. These resources include confidence-building exercises, skill development programs, networking opportunities, and personalized coaching tailored to the specific needs of women with disabilities and their carers.

By creating a conducive environment for micro-business development, Global Sisters seeks to offer women with disabilities increased financial stability and independence. The program's comprehensive support structure addresses the systemic barriers that often marginalize women in the workforce and limit their access to mainstream employment opportunities.

The Cheyutha scheme, implemented by Global Sisters, plays a crucial role in supporting these micro-businesses. The program disburses an impressive annual sum of $18,750 crore to members of self-help groups (SGH), amounting to a staggering $75,000 crore over four years. Additionally, 36 Mahila Marts established by SGHs have collectively generated an impressive business revenue of $32 crore.

Global Sisters, committed to empowering women at all levels, aims to make the dream of financial independence a reality for women with disabilities. With Google.org's visionary support, Global Sisters has been able to transform the lives of over 5,500 women to date, offering more than $7.6 million in free business support for women-led micro-businesses.

Mandy Richards, the driving force behind Global Sisters, expressed her gratitude for Google.org's belief in their model and the critical backing for their demonstration project. She emphasized the organization's mission to reshape the social system into a safety net rather than quicksand, providing genuine opportunities for women with disabilities.

Global Sisters also calls upon corporations and individuals to contribute to their mission through pro bono coaching, financial investments, collaborative efforts, and purchasing from their Global Sisters Marketplace. By working together, they hope to build a stronger, more inclusive future where women thrive in their micro-businesses, exit the welfare system, and contribute positively to their communities.