Avon contributes funds to support NGO-driven GBV survivor support programmes

A total of seven organisations will benefit from this donation which has also been topped up by an additional donation of cosmetics and personal care products valued at R120 000.

Avon’s support of NGO’s comes in the backdrop of a launch of a global campaign by Avon and NO MORE Foundation that raises awareness about non-physical abuse and provides survivors the tools to mitigate against this silent scourge.

The organisations that received the R600 000 cheque are People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), TEARS Foundation, Yokhuselo Haven, 1000 Women Trust, the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women & Children, Ilitha Labantu and Lawyers Against Abuse (LvA).

Says Mafahle Mareletse, Managing Director of Avon Turkey, Middle East & Africa: “The commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children calls upon each and every one of us to reaffirm our commitment to make the world a better and safer place that is free from the blight of gender- based violence in all its manifestations.

Despite the financial constraints they operate under, our partner NGOs have done a remarkable job to support survivors of gender-based violence and have served as a lifeline to many women. We hope that this donation will help to somewhat ease the burden and capacitate them to undertake their critical programmes." 

Jeanette Sera, Acting Executive Director of POWA, agrees: “The disturbing increase in the scourge of gender-based violence has seen more survivors relying on our services, which, in turn, has exerted a lot of pressure on our limited finances. This donation will go a long way towards enabling us to support thousands of women who are in need of our services. The fight against gender- based violence requires each sector of society, whether it’s the public or private sector or and civil society, to step up to the plate and support efforts aimed at combating this menace. We wish to express our sincerest gratitude for the ongoing support we receive from Avon, and we implore other role players to also get in touch with us and see how they can support this worthy cause.”

As part of the global campaign that raises awareness about non-physical violence, both Avon and NO MORE Foundation have launched an online portal to provide people with crucial information about the signs of verbal abuse, what to do if someone you know is in an abusive relationship and where to go for help, including a collection of inspiring stories from survivors. To support women who have experienced abuse, Avon is also donating $1.35 million in grants to NGOs around the world to fund support projects for life after abuse, in its 135th anniversary year.

In addition, the beauty brand and charity organisation are encouraging people to sign an online pledge to end verbal abuse. Avon Justine has also launched a range of fundraising products, including the Pin for Purpose and Whistle Pendant Necklace, with all funds going to NGOs that support women overcoming abuse. Over the past 15 years, Avon has contributed $80m to causes ending violence against women and girls and helped 14.2m women through these donations to NGOs globally