Avon understands that violence against women is an epidemic: one in three women worldwide will be a victim in her lifetime. Intimate partner violence does not discriminate, and it can affect anyone; regardless of income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion.
Avon pledges to help end violence against women and girls.
Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Programme
In 2004, the Avon Foundation for Women set out to change the historic taboo of domestic violence, launching the Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence programme. Speak Out aimed to bring awareness to this issue, to educate, and to develop and implement prevention and direct service programmes. Since 2004, Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women have contributed more than $60 million USD globally to support these goals. Whilst that is an impressive effort, Avon recognises that there is much more to do.
Avon is calling the world to #SpeakOutListenUp
With the support of the Avon Foundation, Avon has reiterated its recommitment to this cause by launching the Avon Promise to Help End Violence Against Women and Girls.
Avon is calling on the world to #SpeakOutListenUp. Through fundraising, events and activities, Avon aims to empower survivors to speak out about their experiences – and to encourage the world to listen.
Committing resources, people and energy to the cause
Avon understands that the paths that lead to these crimes often start at home and within relationships that should be sanctuaries of trust and love, which is why the company is renewing its commitment to help end violence and abuse within relationships – whether it’s physical, emotional or financial.
Avon will commit its resources, its people and its energy to:
- encourage conversation: Avon will use its global voice to shed light on the many forms of violence against women and girls and discuss what needs to change in order to end it
- provide information: Avon will make sure that everyone it works with – its network of Representatives, employees, customers and partners – has the knowledge and information they need to recognise and respond to violence safely and on their own terms
- improve support: Avon will work with local organisations to ensure women and girls have access to the support they need. And it will convene global leaders and change makers to help make sure women and girls are understood, supported and fairly treated when they seek help or report abuse
Avon and the Avon Foundation is committed to reaching 100 million women annually to help ensure women and girls can live a life free from violence and abuse. You can download their promise.
Global women's survey
For Avon, violence against women and girls is a silent epidemic. There remains a lack of awareness that it takes place, and a fear of speaking out. There is low understanding around what constitutes abusive behaviour and where women can go for help.
In 2018, Avon commissioned a survey of 14,400 women in 15 countries. This survey presents a rare insight into women’s attitudes to gender relations, their perceptions of violence and its different forms, and of their attitudes towards various forms of violence.
Avon Foundation VAWG Advisory Board
The Avon Foundation created the Violence Against Women and Girls Advisory Board to work with global leaders and local partners around the world to ensure that women and girls, the men in their lives, and their communities as a whole, are aware, informed and supported in building a world where women and girls can live free from violence.
Meet the women on Avon's advisory board from countries across the globe including Argentina, Brazil, Philippines, Romania, Russia, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States.
Avon directly helps victims of domestic abuse
Ana Isela built her confidence as an Avon representative
Years of violence from her husband had made Ana Isela doubt her abilities as a mother, friend and businesswoman. To help build her confidence, Ana started working as an Avon representative. Taking charge of her own business allowed Ana to realise the skills she had, form new friendships and gain the financial independence she needed to leave her husband.
Thuslisile Mogale's Avon career helps her socialise
Thuslisile Mogale had been in an abusive relationship for 10 years, subject to violence and controlling behaviour. After years of isolation from her friends, Thulisile joined Avon as a way to socialise without risking violence. Eventually, Thulisile was able to earn enough money through her Avon business to leave her husband and build her own house where her and her children now live safely.
Abuse victim Gemma Evans is proud to work for Avon
Gemma Evans endured physical and psychological abuse at the hands of a boyfriend. While she initially struggled to move on, today she has her own house and car again, and is with Avon as a National Field Trainer, proud to be working for a company that recognises and supports victims of gender-based violence.
Make a difference to women's lives through a career at Avon
Avon is committed to supporting women, through women.
If you want to join a company that strives to make a positive difference, search and apply for careers today.
Find out more
Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.