News / Women's Work Lab
All-female social enterprise ends bumper year with ‘life changing’ prize
A Bristol-founded social enterprise has ended its year of operations with recognitions from the University of Cambridge and the prime minister.
Women’s Work Lab, an all-female social enterprise helping unemployed mothers and those on benefits re-enter the workforce, has assisted over 500 local women since its inception five years ago.
Founded by Rachel Mostyn and Camilla Rigby in 2019, Women’s Work Lab began as a small initiative and has since gained recognition in Bristol and beyond. The organisation was honoured at the annual award ceremony held in the summer by the University of Cambridge, which celebrates positive social impact nationwide.
The Cambridge Social Innovation Prize, which returned for its sixth year, is described as straddling the line between “Rising Star” and “Lifetime Achievement.” It acknowledges founders who balance the demands of running their enterprises while focusing on personal growth and expansion.
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Rachel Mostyn, co-founder of Women’s Work Lab, expressed her joy at the recognition. She said: “We’re thrilled to have won the prize, and especially to make history as the first-ever co-winners. It’s heartening to know that an institution like the University of Cambridge values our shared leadership of this award-winning organisation.”
“We have big plans to expand our impact in the South West and nationally in 2025, and the support of this prize will play a crucial role in that growth.”
Women’s Work Lab offers tailored training courses to help mothers struggling to secure paid work after having children. Their courses, which include a program focused on preparing women for school jobs, help participants earn a DBS certificate and gain school placements.
One such successful graduate, Reneta Atanasova, 41, completed the program in 2023.
“The Women’s Work Lab has completely transformed my life, giving me the confidence to find a role that suits both me and my family,” said Renata.
Renata, a single parent, is currently working as a learning support assistant at Avonmouth Primary School.
Women’s Work Lab was one of four winners recognised by the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Social Innovation at Cambridge Judge Business School and Trinity Hall, one of the oldest colleges.
Funded by Trinity Hall alumnus Graham Ross Russell, the award includes a £10,000 prize money and pro bono mentoring in long-term strategy, legal advice, and team development.
Last year’s winners include Poku Osei from Babbasa, a St Paul-based social enterprise focused on empowering young people from marginalised communities to unlock their potential.
Rachel and Camilla received the prime minister’s Points of Light Award, which recognises individuals making a positive change in their community
This year, Rachel and Camilla were also invited to 10 Downing Street to receive the prime minister’s Points of Light Award, which recognises individuals making a positive change in their community and inspiring others.
The award was presented by Maria Caulfield, along with personal letters from the prime minister which read “you didn’t just write a letter or advocate for change – you decided to deliver it yourselves”.
On receiving the Points of Light award, Camilla and Rachel said: “We are deeply humbled to receive this recognition on behalf of the entire Women’s Work Lab team and the hundreds of mothers we work with across the South West. We are proud to support exceptional women as they find work that suits both them and their families.”
Women’s Work Lab was founded back in 2019 and has helped around 500 mums in the area back to work
The organisation has partnered with acclaimed businesses and organisations such as Hargreaves Lansdown, Burgess Salmon, Accenture, and BS3 Community to deliver its programs.
After helping 200 mothers return to work this year, Rachel and Camilla were named among Bath & Somerset’s Most Inspiring Women of 2024.
All photos: Women’s Work Lab
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