If you’re stuck on a Mother’s Day gift, why not a subscription to The Big Issue magazine? Not only will your loved one enjoy magazines full of information, entertainment and knowledge, but you’ll be supporting one of our programs, the Women’s Workforce.

Every night in Australia, more than 53,000 women are experiencing homelessness. We know the largest causes of homelessness in Australia are domestic violence and family violence, which overwhelmingly affects women and children.

So in 2010 The Big Issue created the Women’s Workforce, providing work to women experiencing homelessness and marginalisation through packing and sending subscription copies of The Big Issue magazine. “We label magazines, write our name on the sticker and stick it on the magazines,” says Samia from the Women’s Workforce in Perth.

The Women’s Workforce not only provides a chance to earn a meaningful income, but an invaluable opportunity to meet others and improve confidence. “The most impactful aspect of being part of the Women’s Workforce is the potential for positive societal and economic impact,” says Madeeha who also works in Perth.

Employee Gen agrees. “Firstly, I have a job and an income which is amazing! I feel empowered. It feels amazing to be part of this community of women and having a lovely boss. I enjoy working at Women’s Workforce, I make friends and connections. The best part is knowing that I am doing something meaningful.”

Since starting in 2010 the Women’s Workforce has helped to employ more than 220 women living on the margins across Australia. As the program has grown, they have also begun to take on social procurement work from organisations such as letterbox drops, data entry and much more.

Subscriptions help us provide more work for these amazing women, and in turn you get a great read! A final word from employee Ellen? “The best part of being in the Women’s Workforce is to be involved with different people…(in) my situation. Thank you for being part of The Big Issue. This company gave me a lot of confidence and resilience and gave me a lot of support. A BIG thank you!”

You can treat your loved one for Mother’s Day with an excellent fortnightly read while also providing work for women who have experienced disadvantage and marginalisation. Gift a subscription for Mother’s Day