Marktlücke

Marktlücke creates a professional environment in which women can gain work experience, strengthen their self-confidence and take first steps toward independence. In this interview, Marktlücke’s managing directors Barbara Meier and Christina Dalbert explain why real customers, high-quality products and targeted support are central to their model.

Why does Marktlücke work exclusively with women?

Christina: I had previously led an integration program for women. When this offer no longer existed in the city of Zurich, it was clear to me that there was an urgent need to create a dedicated program for women again. The challenges are different when someone wants to enter the labor market, has children and must organize family life at the same time. My experience has shown that many of these women are very willing to integrate. Many are migrants who want to contribute to this society. This is also very important for their children. At the same time, they often lack opportunities and support that would help them later live independently in Switzerland.

Was there a moment when you knew: This is what I want to make possible?

Barbara: I was able to take over Marktlücke last summer. The handover was a longer, shared process. Before that, I knew Marktlücke as a customer. I had the feeling that I would fit very well with Marktlücke. This is also related to my family history.

My great-grandmother raised my grandmother alone — at a time when children of single mothers were often taken away. I only knew her briefly, but she must have been a very strong woman. She worked, was financially supported by her aunt and still managed everything on her own. Today, at Marktlücke, I see many women with similar stories. That is why I felt that this role was made for me. It connects with my own past and with the strength of women that already existed in Switzerland back then.

Marktlücke offers a lot: shop, bistro, restaurant, concerts, workshop and development programs. What is the common thread that connects everything?

Christina: Everything is a means to an end. The purpose is to support and empower unemployed women so that they can become independent again.

Do the women find a job after their time at Marktlücke?

Barbara: It varies greatly. On average, they stay with us for about a year. What is encouraging is that we are often able to place women in small part-time jobs. This demonstrates that  it is possible to start somewhere. Later, when children are older or life circumstances change, working hours can perhaps be increased. Getting a foot in the door of the labor market is therefore very valuable.

There are also women who take a different path afterward — for example an internship or further training. Others initially return home because the step into the labor market is not yet possible.

Christina: For us, it is important that the women find a place within our diverse offering where they can strengthen their self-esteem. Even if this does not immediately lead to a job, they gain more independence and courage to actively shape their lives. They learn to recognize their own needs alongside those of their husband, their children or other family members and to reorganize family life. This can later be an important step toward entering the labor market.

How important is contact with real customers outside of a protected environment?

Barbara: That is exactly what defines Marktlücke: real customers, a real company in the labor market and real customer contact. Women can practice language and communication and learn to find solutions — for example, how to sell a dessert to a customer. Especially in the shop, they realize that selling products is important because the company depends on it. Many participants develop a wonderful energy: they track how much has been sold, set daily goals and motivate each other to approach customers.

They are not simply in an employment program where it does not matter what they do. They are employees. This greatly strengthens their self-esteem and their self-confidence. They realize: what I do counts. I contribute to success.

What are your bestsellers?

Barbara: We have many upcycling products. At the moment, wet bags are particularly popular. These are beautiful bags in which you can store wet swimwear without getting other items wet. They are currently produced in the workshop and sell very well.

Do you offer childcare?

Christina: This question comes up again and again: why don’t we have a daycare facility? Of course, that would be practical. But our goal is to guide women toward independence. That is why it is important that they learn to organize themselves in their neighborhood and use the existing infrastructure where they live. This also helps them later in an external work environment. We employ social advisors who support the women and help them build the environment they need.

You sell to real customers. How do you balance your social mission with professional standards?

Barbara: It is about producing products that can compete in the market — not products that are only bought because they come from a social project. This can be demanding. Our quality standards are high because we sell the products to real customers. We also take on many commissioned projects.

Christina: It is a balancing act. The participants also work in the restaurant or at evening events. Many guests know that we provide opportunities to women who are not yet fully trained. Nevertheless, we ensure that the women working at the front are ready for their role and can handle it well. It is important to us that people do not immediately think: this is an employment integration program. First, they should experience a good restaurant or a beautiful shop. Later, they are welcome to realize that there is also a social mission behind it — in the best sense.

What support do you need to remain successful in the long term?

Barbara: We are always happy to receive orders from companies that do not want to produce as cheaply as possible abroad but consciously decide to support an organization like ours. It may cost a bit more, but it is handmade, Swiss-made or more precisely: Zurich-made.

Christina: We have already produced for various companies, for example laptop bags or a lunch bag that can be used as a gift for employees. We often develop these products together with customers in the workshop. We ask ourselves: what fits this company? This is how new ideas emerge.

Barbara: We are just as grateful for companies that offer internships or other entry opportunities. Instead of advertising a position directly, it can make sense to give a woman from our environment a chance. Many may not yet have all the certificates but bring enormous abilities. They often organize an entire family and have skills that are very valuable in everyday work. Given the shortage of skilled workers, the economy depends on motivated women.

We see this motivation every day: the women come to work with great joy.

Christina: And ideally, a generous donor!

Looking ahead: where do you see Marktlücke in five years?

Barbara: My goal is clear: we want to reach even more women and give them this opportunity. When you see what it triggers in each individual — how grateful and happy they are when they find their place in the labor market and become more independent — that is our greatest reward. I hope that many more women will be able to develop, grow and take the step into the labor market with us. That is the main goal.