March 7, 2013 | Violence Against Women

A High-Profile Crusade

Salma Hayek and Avon combat violence against women.

We’re used to seeing her at the Golden Globes and the Oscars, but on Thursday, March 7, Salma Hayek Pinault appeared at a different kind of awards show. As Ambassador for The Avon Foundation for Women, she announced the winners of the second Avon Communications Awards, which recognize innovative campaigns to combat violence against women.

Hayek Pinault joined Avon CEO Sheri McCoy in saluting five winners from around the world:

• In Pakistan, Bytes For All’s “Take Back Tech” program uses online tools—including a social media campaign withg public figures--to raise awareness about violence against women.
• Engender Health’s “Champion Project” video is a part of a five-year effort to engage men in Tanzania to address gender issues and power imbalances in relationships.
• In Nepal, Equal Access’ “Voices – Samajhdari” is a 30-minute radio program that gives women a forum to discuss issues that would otherwise be considered off-limits.
• The “Stop Violence” campaign in the Ukraine encourages men help raise awareness of the need to end violence against women.
• In rural Peru, PCI Media Impact’s “Strong Women, Strong Voice” radio program shares the stories of women overcoming prejudice, abuse, and sexual violence.

To view the winning campaigns, as well as the 19 finalists, go to: www.avonfoundation.org/globalspeakout/avon-communications-awards.

In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, Salma Hayek Pinault is calling attention to the Avon Empowerment Charm Necklace. One hundred percent of the net profits from the necklace’s sale benefit the Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program.

Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women have a long history of working to combat violence against women, including 2004’s launch of Speak Out Against Domestic Violence, which supports domestic violence awareness, education and prevention programs.