JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 26th NOVEMBER 2020, –/ Centre for African Journalists (CAJ News) – AS South Africa joins the global community in commemorating 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, global beauty and cosmetics brand Avon Justine has amplified its ongoing fight against gender-based violence by pledging part of the revenue generated from the sale of products to non-governmental organisations that are at the forefront of combating the scourge of domestic violence and abuse of children.
This initiative to raise funds to support survivors of gender-based violence builds on Avon’s US$ 1million commitment to support frontline services during initial lockdowns. These limited edition products that are earmarked to generate funds to support organisations fighting gender based violence are the Avon empowerment Alaya bracelet and the Whistle pendant necklace.
Though lockdown restrictions are being eased in South Africa, the company has amplified its call on government to support vital frontline services through its ongoing Isolated Not Alone campaign. As part of its #IsolatedNotAlone campaign, Avon is uniting with our sister brands Aesop, The Body Shop and Natura to galvanise our networks and call on governments to keep domestic violence front of mind and ensure support services have adequate funding.
“Avon Justine has a proud pedigree of working with like-minded partners to champion the fight against the scourge of gender-based violence. As a company for women, Avon Justine believes that it has an ethical and moral obligation to use the power of beauty and to leverage the power of its brand to support the fight against gender-based violence. This initiative also gives credence to the commitment we made when we launched our new global campaign known as Watch Me Now, which reaffirmed our commitment to make the world a better and safer place for women,” says Mafahle Mareletse, Avon Justine Managing Director for Turkey, Middle East & Africa.
In addition, Avon Justine also launched a support service called Gender based Violence Protocol and Leave, or Protocol for short, a blueprint that outlines a range of support services to employees experiencing gender-based violence.
Avon Justine will implement the Protocol by leveraging the expertise of its network of non-governmental organisation (NGO) partners to support employees impacted by gender-based violence. This ranges from legal advice to psychological support and counselling. In addition, any employee experiencing gender-based violence will be entitled to a leave of absence to help them safely seek help and support.
Avon Justine will be working with its long-standing NGO partners in this initiative, namely Lawyers Against Abuse, People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), Tears Foundation, Yokhuselo Haven, 1000 Women Trust, Ilitha Labantu and the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women & Children.
Avon Justine will avail this blueprint as an online open-source platform which will allow other organisations looking to provide similar support services to their employees to replicate the formula.
“The Protocol is a benchmark tool that the business community can replicate to provide support to their employees, and we hope that like-minded organisations will take advantage of the open-source information and embrace this new initiative to help bring an end to gender-based violence.
The Protocol mirrors how we live our values in every part of our work. We’re proud to be a company that supports women – from employees, to our army of Reps and Consultants and customers. We stand with survivors of gender-based violence and do not condone any form of discrimination or prejudice against survivors of gender-based violence. The Protocol builds on our commitment to support survivors of gender-based violence and raising awareness of this pandemic,” Mareletse concludes.
Distributed by Centre for African Journalists (CAJ News) on behalf of Avon
ABOUT AVON
We are the company that has been doing beauty differently for over 130 years. Whether it’s putting mascara on lashes and food on tables or fighting wrinkles with one hand and breast cancer with the other – our brand is built to empower you through beauty. So, whether you’re a beauty queen or beauty boss, you have the power to carve out your place in the world and make them notice you.
Avon WATCH ME NOW is a movement created to celebrate your rise. We are here to help you transform into the person you’re meant to be. When you beat the odds, defy
expectations, and fulfil your potential, we’ll be right beside you cheering you on.
AVON GAVE WOMEN THE RIGHT TO EARN, BEFORE THEY HAD THE RIGHT TO VOTE.
We’re the company that not only brings beauty to doors, but also opens them. The company that supports over 6 million independent micro-entrepreneurs in over 100
countries and over 50 million Beauty Representatives across 50 countries.
WE’VE BEEN ADVOCATING FOR WOMEN BEFORE IT WAS POPULAR.
We make job equality a priority with women making up 70% of our Global Research and Development roles and 60% of our local Distribution Centre team. Our employer value proposition has once again been affirmed after the Top Employers Institute conferred the company with the much-sought after Top Employer 2020 award.
WE DON’T CUT QUALITY. WE CUT OUT THE MIDDLE MAN.
We’re able to sell quality products at affordable prices, because we don’t use retail space.
Instead our Beauty Representatives bring you your favourite beauty items. So every time you buy an Avon product, you shop to empower a Beauty Representative and in turn impact lives.
WE WALK THE TALK.
As the biggest global supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness, we’ve donated over R20 million to raise breast cancer awareness. Our commitment is to reach 100 million women every year to ensure every woman knows the risks, signs and how and when to take action.
We are also the organiser of the iThemba Walkathon – one of the world’s largest breast cancer awareness walks.
WE COVER BLEMISHES. NOT BRUISES.
Avon has been supporting women for 130 years, it is part of our DNA, which is why we are committed to putting an end to domestic violence against women. R29 million raised to educate women on domestic violence. R7 million to stop gender based violence.
About Direct Selling
Direct selling is the marketing and selling of products directly to customers away from a fixed retail location. Direct selling can be conducted one-on-one, in a group or party format or online. At Avon Justine, the “direct” part of direct selling also refers to the personal component of this sales channel; it’s about building relationships with people and offering them a high level of service and personal attention.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Avon Justine Press Office
pressofficesa@avon.com
Nontuthuzelo Zulu
Avon Justine Corporate Communication Coordinator
082 098 53 74 | Nontuthuzelo.zulu@avon.com