Following its 135th anniversary pledge, Avon announces $1m in grants to NGOs working to end gender-based violence

The beauty brand partners with global charity, NO MORE, to empower people to speak out to help end domestic violence

As the United Nations 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence commences on 25^th November, Avon^[1] has announced a $1.35 million global grant to NGOs working to end gender-based violence as part of its 136th year anniversary pledge. The global beauty brand, along with NO MORE NGO, will also roll out the #iamasupporter campaign to conjure support for victims of GBV.

For South Africa, a country reeling from the high rate of violence at women and children, Avon SA will supplement the global grant that has already been pledged to seven NGOs partners to intensify the fight against GBV and increase support to those who have suffered at the hands of this unjustified act of violence to the most vulnerable people in society.

The beneficiary NGOs are POWA, Tears Foundation, Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women, 1000 Women Trust, Ilitha Labantu and Lawyers Against Abuse and Yokushelo Haven.

“With a staggering one-third or even up to 50% of South African women and girls aged 15 and older having experienced either physical or sexual Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) compared 27% worldwide, according to The Lancet Psychiatry Report, the grant disbursement and awareness campaign is a shot in the arm for the fight against the scourge of GBV in the country,” says Mafahle Mareletse, Managing Director of Avon in Turkey, Middle East & Africa. “As Avon South Africa, we remain steadfast in supporting causes and NGOs that raise awareness against GBV and support victims of this horrible act.”

Tina Thiart, Director of 1000 Women Trust, a women’s organisation that aims to raise awareness around GBV, rape and abuse, says “during the lockdown, many of our donors understandably diverted their funds to food security initiatives. This unfortunately left a gaping hole in the line of resources that help us support victims of GBV and continue to eradicate the scourge of violence against the most vulnerable members of society.  We are very grateful to AVON who, during the last 3 years, continued to fund and support GBV organisations while working with us to mobilise against GBV. The grant will provide immeasurable support in equipping us with the resources needed to continue doing the work we do in our communities.”

To bolster the drive towards ending violence and against women and children during this year’s 16 Days of Activism, Avon, together the NO MORE NGO, will roll out the #iamasupporter campaign which will encourage people to show their support for survivors as well as those who suspect their loved ones may be experiencing domestic abuse. As a key part of the campaign Avon and NO MORE are doubling down on educating people on the signs of domestic abuse and how to take action, focussing on four key points:

1. Recognise: Be confident in your understanding of domestic violence
2. Respond: Be empowered to respond to disclosures of domestic violence, and listen without judgement
3. Refer: Enable and encourage engagement with local specialist support services
4. Reach out and speak out: Show that you are a supporter by using the #iamasupporter hash tag, as well as using social media to share resources and information to improve understanding of domestic violence

Angela Cretu, Avon CEO comments: “Violence against women and girls is the most widespread human rights violation in the world yet it’s frequently hidden behind closed doors. The 16 Days of Activism is a moment to speak out against violence and show survivors that if you’re experiencing abuse, you’re not alone. Help is available. For over 15 years Avon has been working with charities around the world to tackle gender-based violence, helping our five million Representatives and their customers to recognise the signs, have safe conversations and signpost vital services. The NGOs that we support provide women around the world with the essential help they need to leave the situation and rebuild their lives.”

Pamela Zaballa, CEO of NO MORE, comments: “We remain determined to end violence against women and girls globally and our partnership with Avon enables us to continue highlighting the various support services available to all victims of domestic abuse. We all need to be part of the solution and open up the conversation about domestic violence and that starts with galvanising victims of domestic abuse in all its forms to speak out.”

For more information on the Avon Foundation and Avon’s commitment to ending gender-based violence, visitwww.avonworldwide.com/supporting-women/violence-against-women-and-girls.