Hana, Klara, Gemiliana, Sophia, Catherine and Daisy. Six women from across Big Issue Group. Last week, I had the privilege of speaking with them ahead of International Women’s Day. I set out to collect inspiring stories for our audience – but I didn’t expect to be so inspired myself.
Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a moment to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women – while also recognising how far we still have to go. Because despite progress, women in the UK continue to face stark inequalities:
- Women earn 13.1% less than men on average.
- There are one million more women in low-paid jobs than men.
- Only 3p of every £1 invested goes to all-female founder teams—compared to 82p for men.
- Women make up 60% of homeless adults in temporary accommodation.
All around us, women are making BIG changes – challenging barriers, breaking new ground and reshaping industries. It’s not just about giving them a voice; it’s about truly listening.
Meeting these women, hearing their stories, reminded me of our collective strength – and the power of women supporting women.
Click here to watch their interviews.
Sophia – deputy digital editor at Big Issue
Sophia is one of our deputy digital editors at Big Issue. As a journalist, she works to uncover and amplify the voices that too often go unheard.
But before she was a journalist, she was a teenager in foster care, unsure of what her future would hold. Since then, she has defied expectations. Her work has taken her to places such as Downing Street, Buckingham Palace and the White House, and most recently she authored a toolkit that supports care-experienced people in sharing their stories with the media. All of that, and so much more to come. I’m impressed.
Daisy – frontline manager at Big Issue
The next day, I meet Daisy, frontline manager for London and the South-East. She and her team support Big Issue vendors across the region, ensuring they have the tools, community and opportunities they need.
She tells me about the importance of creating a safe environment at work – one where women can share their experiences and work together, to ultimately “succeed, and exceed all societal expectations of us”.
As a woman, succeeding is also defying a place society has tried giving us. Seven months into her role at Big Issue, Daisy applied for the frontline manager position – “despite all self-doubt”. Defying expectations, showing the way.
Klara – managing director, Big Issue Impact Advisory
Next up is Klara Kozlov. She knows what it means to drive change. As managing director of Big Issue Impact Advisory, she works with investors, businesses and charities to create meaningful, lasting impact. Her work directly contributes to building a more inclusive economy – one that prevents poverty and fights inequality. When asked about her future, Klara’s first thought isn’t of herself, but of the next generation. “We’ve seen decades of genuine progress in loads of different fronts and now we see a whole new generation coming up that has the conviction, the voice, and the passion to deliver real change.”
Still, she knows her role in shaping that future: “Because my work is in such an evolving field –sustainability, climate, social issues – it’s about always learning, pushing the boundaries of what I know and understand, to make sure I’m able to deliver solutions that really matter on the ground, and enable real impact.” The future feels brighter, after hearing Klara.
Hana – investment director, Big Issue Invest
Hana Hussain, investment director for the Growth Impact Fund at Big Issue Invest, is dedicated to making the investment world more inclusive. Her fund supports underrepresented founders who are working to create social impact.
She has long been committed to lifting up women in the workplace, mentoring at different career stages, coaching female founders and leading female networks. “One of my proudest moments is seeing the women I’ve mentored grow into their potential.”
Hana sees investing as an ecosystem builder. “Empowering female investors to back more female founders is crucial for building a more socially equitable future.” She adds “There’s still an underrepresentation of female investors and in particular those from ethnic backgrounds. This is another aspect we must consider. I would love to represent the founders that we want to invest in and create accessibility to capital for ventures for purpose and for profit.”
More female investors, supporting more female founders, to create more impact. Sounds like a plan.
Catherine – managing director, Big Issue Recruit
Catherine is the managing director of Big Issue Recruit – Big Issue’s recruitment service dedicated to helping people overcome barriers to work. Having been supported by other women throughout her career, she reflects on the challenges many women face in recognising their own strengths. For Catherine, good management has been key. “Some great managers have given me opportunities to take on projects, encouragement to apply for roles and have enabled me to work flexibly around the changing needs of my family over the last 18 years,” she says.
Her “big issue”? The transformative power of employment: “Employment can change people’s lives, particularly if they have challenging backgrounds. Finding the right job gives people dignity and confidence, helps them develop new skills and positive relationships, as well as earning an income.”
Her words about the dignity and life choices that come with meaningful work resonate the next day when I meet Gemiliana, a Big Issue vendor in Bristol.
Gemiliana – Big Issue vendor, Bristol
It’s Friday, and I’m in Bristol to meet Gemiliana. She sells the Big Issue near the Arnolfini Arts gallery – on the bridge with the locks, she tells me. (If you search a map, it’s Pero’s Bridge.)
Sleeping in a women’s shelter, and relying on charities to feed herself, Gemiliana sees in Big Issue a great opportunity.
“Big Issue is a way out for anybody that reaches the bottom. And I’m one of them. But we all know that life is not about what happens to you, but it’s how you react and how you decide to stand up again or not. So while I’m waiting to get back to work and have a normal life, Big Issue is giving me the opportunity to earn some honest money to buy my tobacco, my personal things, and be free to buy a coffee, in a normal café, and to feel like at least I’m a little bit independent.”
Gemiliana tells me her strength comes from transforming adversities into experiences. From accepting your pain and learning through it. “Pain becomes joy, becomes experience, becomes our strength.”
Her strength – like that of so many women – is not a choice, but it’s there now, and she’s holding onto it. And with that strength, she’s shaping her world, and ours.
Watch the interview
Join us in making BIG changes
Hana, Klara, Gemiliana, Sophia, Catherine and Daisy are all working to end poverty. You can support this mission, too.
