Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women have announced a new partnership with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to combat gender-based violence. Launched in line with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the partnership announcement follows Avon Foundation-funded research which revealed 38% of abuse victims are unsure where to seek help and 60% do not believe they will be taken seriously1.
Avon will work with WAGGGS to ensure more women and girls are able to identify gender-based violence and identify resources to safely seek help. As part of the partnership, the organisations will launch a new training and awareness programme for Avon’s Representative network, and girl guides and girl scouts in three countries: South Africa, Philippines and Argentina. Ultimately, the partnership aims to create campaign materials that can be utilized across the world, with the potential to reach over 15 million women and girls represented by Avon and WAGGGS.
The programme is designed to address the silence around gender-based violence, empowering women and girls experiencing violence and abuse to safely speak out and to access the support they need.
Chair of the Avon Foundation for Women, Amy Greene, said: “The Avon Foundation is committed to breaking down the barriers that hold women and girls back. One in three women2 is directly affected by gender-based violence around the world, and domestic violence kills more women than any other issue. Too often, women and girls suffer in silence, and spotting the signs of violence and abuse can be difficult for friends and family to recognise. Avon wants to open up the dialogue about violence against women and girls, to help educate and empower people to speak up. Together with WAGGGS we have a powerful combined reach that can make a tangible difference.”
CEO of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Sarah Nancollas, said: “Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive and widespread global human rights violations and is at epidemic proportions. By partnering with the Avon Foundation we will support young women and girls to become change makers within their communities, to feel they have a voice to advocate, and to raise awareness and dispel harmful myths surrounding violence and discrimination. We are grateful for the support of Avon and the Avon Foundation in taking forward this important work.”
Alongside the WAGGGS partnership, Avon is committed to using its global voice to shed light on the many forms of violence, harassment and abuse experienced by women and girls. Throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Avon will donate funds from special product sales across the world to frontline gender-based violence support organisations, building on the $65m the Avon Foundation and Avon have already donated globally.
