The Jobs
As a worker co-operative, we're kind of all about the workers. We were formed specifically to empower women, and we do this in lots of ways.
The women we employ and work with are primarily refugees, from Afghanistan, Somalia, the Sudan - often places where there have been wars. They may have been educated or worked, they may not, so their needs are all different and our training and support varies in relation to need. We used to find potential workers through other refugee support agencies but now we have a huge waiting list - one of our workers seems to have brought every one of her friends along in case there are new jobs going!
For many of the women we work with, it's important that this space is for women only. All the women feel safe here, which means they can relax and learn and socialise at lunch time without having to worry. No-one learns well if they are uncomfortable or scared and so we do everything we can to create a warm, friendly, fun environment. It seems to be working.
We provide all kinds of training in employability and UK norms as well as production. Employability is important - if you've never had a job before, how do you know you're supposed to call in sick? We can also point the women in the direction of other services should they want to get some help.
Alongside this we have a computer suite for the women to use email and the internet, our break room where we women come together, share food and just be women together. Every lunchtime we are treated to a gorgeous array of smells and flavours, as everyone eats together. Everyone has a locker in here too, so their belongings are safe while they are working.
Every time you buy a pair of our pants you're keeping another woman in a job. Shop here to support our work
