As Avon is the company for women – dedicated to the empowerment of women globally – fighting domestic violence is a cause that’s front and center on Avon’s philanthropic radar. Simply put, the mission of the company’s domestic violence program, Speak Out Against Domestic Violence, is to end family and gender violence.
Launched in 2004, Speak Out Against Domestic Violence focuses on education, prevention and victim support programs. Through 2011, Avon global philanthropy had donated almost $40 million to support the cause in nearly 50 countries.
On February 28, 2012, the inaugural Avon Communications Awards were presented at the 2nd World Conference of Women's Shelters in Washington, D.C. The awards recognize four outstanding communications campaigns that focus on ending violence against women. Also during the conference,10 Avon Global Believe Fund grants were presented to domestic violence agencies from around the world. For more on Avon’s global efforts, click here.
Vital Partnerships
In 2008, Avon expanded its efforts to fight violence against women when it partnered with the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) to promote women’s empowerment and end violence against women. The partnership was announced at the United Nations during the “Global Summit for a Better Tomorrow,” an event co-sponsored by UNIFEM and Avon in celebration of International Women’s Day. A year later, Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women, the company’s philanthropic arm (which is based in the United States), partnered with the U.S. State Department and Vital Voices to launch “The Global Partnership to End Violence Against Women” to combat the most destructive types of violence against women, and to help ensure justice for women and girls worldwide.
Avon Global Believe Fund
To honor Avon's 125th anniversary, the company established the $2 million Avon Global Believe Fund to support women's domestic violence shelters and agencies around the world. It was also created to draw attention to the alarming lack of adquate services for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
The first 16 grants were awarded to domestic violence organizations in Avon markets that hosted the Avon Believe World Tour in 2011. Avon the Avon Foundation for Women presented 10 new grants in 2012 during the 2nd World Conference of Women's Shelters.
Avon Global Believe Fund grant awarded in Moscow
Avon and People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) candlelighting ceremony in Johannesburg honoring
survivors of domestic abuse.
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