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It’s no secret that we need more women in the workforce. But the reality is that with the gender pay gap still very much a reality, there is no country where women are economically equal to men.
So then, what if you’re a woman who is attempting to re-enter the workforce, but is financially struggling?
We all know what a difference it can make to look sharp for a job interview. To be on time.
To us, these are the basics. But to women living under the poverty line, who can’t afford to buy nice clothes or a reliable mode of transport — these basic elements can stop them from achieving financial independence.
How Can You Help?
There are always charities you can support and conversations you can share, that can help. However, sometimes it’s hard to know where to look. That’s why we’re here to step in.
Australian female-owned luxury accessories brand, Alf the Label, has partnered with Dress for Success for a second year, to help women help other women in need. If you have a handbag that you bought for over $200, you can donate it to be refurbed and given to a woman in need. You’ll then get $100 off a handbag of your choice.
How Does It Work?
Founded in 2016 by Sophie Doyle, Alf the Label is dedicated to producing quality accessory solutions to transition women from adulthood to motherhood. Crafted to fit seamlessly into the lives of busy, fashion-conscious parents, Alf the Label marries style with effortless functionality.
They have partnered with Dress for Success, an international, not-for-profit organisation that aims to help women experiencing financial hardship. The volunteer-run organisation utilises donations and volunteer hours to provide women in the community with styling, self-care and career support resources to assist women to feel empowered, confident and job ready.
How do the two work together, you ask?
They’ve launched an initiative called The Alf Exchange. All you need to do is donate a pre-loved bag to Alf the Label, and they’ll give you $100 to spend on their brand in exchange. That bag will then be repurposed by Alf and donated to Dress for Success to give to women who need them.
At the end of the day, you’ve provided women re-joining the workforce with a snazzy, repurposed bag, and you’ve got some coin to spend!
A win win, if we’ve ever heard one.
“Many women have great quality pre-loved bags in the back of their wardrobe which could be donated to an at-risk woman returning to the workforce,” says Doyle.
“Through this unique program, we are excited to offer an Alf the Label credit so customers can treat themselves to something fresh for the new year, whilst doing a good thing for another woman. This initiative forms part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability as well as community service.”
Additionally, Alf the Label further supports Dress for Success by donating $1 from every sale to help in their efforts to deliver tangible change for women in need.
“With Dress for Success helping over 4,500 unemployed women annually, we want to lend a hand to help change more women’s lives for the better,” Doyle added.
You can find out all the information, like where to send your bag, on their website here. Get involved in the change.