Avon teamed up with women's publication Marie Claire to host a roundtable event reinforcing Avon's powerful #SpeakOut campaign ahead of International Women's Day (IWD).
In every language and culture, some words and phrases still exist that are used against women. For example, where men are called ‘assertive’, women are often labelled ‘bossy’ and where men are praised for being ‘sensitive’, women are frequently criticised for being ‘hysterical’. Through #SpeakOut, IWD Partner Avon is reclaiming such language and encouraging women worldwide to turn negative stories into a source of power.
Hosting a thought-provoking roundtable
Avon's roundtable discussion focused on the concept and idea behind reclaiming negative language.
The event was hosted by Avon CEO Angela Cretu together with Marie Claire UK Editor in Chief Andrea Thompson. The two leaders were joined by transgender Avon representative Daniella Schofield, rapper C Cane, Changing Faces’ Brenda Finn, journalist Nana Soares, The Good Lad Initiative’s Ben Hurst and Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics, Agnieszka Lyons.
Roundtable participant C Cane also produced the IWD rap, reminding people of why it's important to join the collective effort in achieving an #EachforEqual world, with powerful words from Janet Taras of Speaking Rights - a key example of women speaking out for gender parity.
Avon's campaign comes at a crucial time in history
Marie Claire published an article praising Avon and the #SpeakOut campaign.
"We are at a crucial time in history. The past couple of years have undoubtedly been a watershed moment for women’s empowerment. And yet there is still so much more to be done to achieve genuine gender equality," writes Marie Claire.
"Women are still under-represented in all walks of life and do not have a share of voice in our world. We seriously need to redress the balance. This is something Avon is putting into action with its International Women’s Day campaign."
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.