Avon has launched a campaign calling on men and women worldwide to #SpeakOut and put an end to pejorative words and phrases used to silence women.
Launched ahead of International Women’s Day, the campaign is in response to growing evidence of a gender divide, with a World Economic Forum report highlighting that gender parity is 99.5 years off.
Through conversations with its network representatives, Avon has discovered words in different languages and cultures that are used to describe, criticise and negatively stereotype women. For example, being called ‘Lippy’ in English, ‘Vorlaut’ in German, or ‘Mandona’ in Spanish, to name but a few.
Avon’s campaign calls on people to share their stories and the words and language they want to reclaim by posting a proud selfie on their social media channels, using the hashtag #SpeakOut. Avon is also collating these stories, creating a global gallery celebrating women’s stories from across the world.
The exciting campaign news is bolstered by Avon pledging to donate $10 million to important global causes, including education, gender violence and breast cancer. The donation builds on Avon’s long-standing commitment to women across the world - both Avon and the Avon Foundation have raised and donated over $1bn to date supporting NGOs across the world.
A platform for all women to share their stories
Initiated over Avon’s social media channels across the world, #SpeakOut is a platform for women of all backgrounds to share their stories, celebrate and be inspired by others.
To kick start the campaign, Avon is hosting a panel discussion highlighting the language and stereotypes used to silence, embarrass and discourage women from speaking out. Following the discussion, and events being held across markets, Avon is creating a Code of Conduct which challenges the use of language or content sharing which might prevent women from speaking out.
The #SpeakOut campaign culminates with the first Avon #SpeakOut Awards. The awards recognise individuals and organisations who have helped women find their voices or shared the stories of those who are not able to share their own.
At Avon, every day is women's day
“Avon has been a champion for women for over 130 years, says Angela Cretu, CEO at Avon. “At Avon, every day is women’s day, but on International Women’s Day we take the opportunity to invite men and women all over the world to join us in speaking out about the barriers which might stop women from having an equal share of voice. International Women’s Day is also a moment to celebrate women, and we’ll be sharing stories of inspiring women from all walks of life from across the world.”
Avon needs you to #SpeakOut now
Avon is calling on women to #SpeakOut now and "get lippy" on social. It's time to think about posting something that joins the cause and encourages women to share their voices.
"We are calling on you to share your experiences, and the words and language you want to reclaim," Avon explains. "You can join the conversation on our social channels, or post a proud lippy selfie on your social media channels, using the hashtag #SpeakOut."
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.