Avon knows that for too many families across the globe, their greatest fear is not the coronavirus but domestic violence.
During the isolation measures needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the world saw a spike in cases of gender-based violence.
In response, Avon and the Avon Foundation launched the Isolated Not Alone campaign. Avon's message to survivors: you may be isolated, but you are not alone.
Through the campaign, Avon and the Avon Foundation announced $1 million in grants to 50 frontline organisations and services in 37 countries.
"Gender-based violence is an epidemic. As the lockdown measures start to lift, we’re seeing reports of women being at increased risk, and NGOs continue to be in need," reports Avon. "We will continue to speak out against gender-based violence and work to ensure that survivors are kept front of mind by governments."
Offering social counselling and free psychotherapy
One example of an NGO who received a grant as part of this campaign is the proFem Center for Domestic and Sexual Violence, based in the Czech Republic.
This centre is using the funds to support social counselling, free psychotherapy sessions for survivors as well as providing them with legal counselling and representation in court. In two months, the proFem Center provided social and legal counselling to 102 unique clients and psychotherapy to 25 clients.
Creating accomodating for survivors of domestic violence
Another recipient of a grant was Elliniko Diktyo Gynaikon Europis in Greece.
This funding has been used to create accommodation for survivors of domestic violence and their children, with a social worker or psychologist available at all times.
Empowering women through workshops and self-help groups
Asociación de Mujeres AXAYACATL, Nicaragua is another recipient of the #IsolatedNotAlone grant from the Avon Foundation.
The organisation sees around five women each day. The AXAYACATL Women's Association has used funds in previous years to empower women through workshops and self-help groups so that they recognise violence, know their rights and what to do.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation has been developing a virtual campaign for the prevention of domestic violence to make the issue of gender-based violence visible.
Work for a company that fights for women
Avon has been supporting women for well ver a century. It is part of the the company's DNA. It does this through its countless campaigns, as well as empowering its employees and Representatives to forge their own career success.
Search and apply for a job with Avon.
Find out more
Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.