A partnership to end violence against women

MANILA, Philippines - The Avon Foundation for Women and Vital Voices recently announced from Washington DC “The Global Partnership to End Violence Against Women,” a new innovative collaboration with the US State Department to combat the most destructive types of violence against women and help ensure justice worldwide. 

In response to the nearly one billion women who will be affected by violence in their lifetime, The Global Partnership will address the need for serious, sustained on the ground research and development, as well as actionable, collaborative, culturally-sensitive local solutions that can change these statistics in a measurable way.

To facilitate The Global Partnership, Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women announced $1.2 million in donations to Vital Voices to bring together 15 country delegations consisting of leaders from diverse sectors in a first-of-its-kind global forum to share insights, forge collaborations, and seek ways to overcome challenging cultural realities that have been barriers to progress. Vital Voices and the Avon Foundation for Women will also support these delegations when they return to their home countries with regional programs and a toolkit that can be used on a year-long basis as action plans are implemented.

According to Vital Voices president Alyse Nelson, “While one in three women will be the victim of abuse or violence at some point in their lives, not nearly enough attention has been given to this global crisis. It’s going to take real commitment and partnership within all countries to address their specific problems with culturally sensitive solutions that are truly sustainable over time.” 

Andrea Jung, chairman and chief executive officer of Avon Products Inc., commented: “With over six million Avon representatives in more than 100 countries, Avon is the largest engine of economic opportunity for women on earth. Given our close personal connections with women, we feel it is our obligation and responsibility, and that we are uniquely suited, to be a committed partner in the search for innovative solutions that truly make a difference to ending the epidemic of violence against women.”