As is probably the case for many women of my generation, my perception of the Avon cosmetics company was shaped by memories of the glamorous 
neighbour who called regularly and handed my mother enticingly packaged pots and tubes. She trailed in her wake a heady cloud of scent and left behind a glossy catalogue that was later poured over by my mum who diligently ticked tiny boxes in eager anticipation of her next delivery of frosted pink lipstick and royal blue eye shadow.
Growing up I gravitated towards the vibrant teen-baiting hues of the Rimmel stand in my local chemist. As I exchanged my pocket money for the glossy veneer of adulthood the Avon brand seemed irrelevant and soon disappeared from my mind entirely.
That remained the case for thirty years until earlier this week a tweet arrived directing me to the Clinton Global Initiative website. So what’s the connection between the two? Well, the Clinton Global Citizen Awards, established to recognize extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated visionary leadership in solving pressing global challenges, has honoured Andrea Jung, Chairman and CEO of Avon Products, for showing leadership in the corporate sector and for significantly improving the lives of women worldwide.
There are two distinct strands to the work that Avon undertakes to empower and aid women globally. Firstly, as part of its core business, the company provides earning opportunities to more than 6.2 million independent Avon Sales Representatives worldwide. Thus the potential to secure an independently earned income is realised by women who would otherwise sink into poverty. Secondly, the Avon Foundation for Women, founded in 1955, has emerged as the leading corporate philanthropy organisation for women globally. Who knew?
the Avon Foundation, founded in 1955, has emerged as the leading corporate philanthropy organisation for women globally
The Foundation has adopted the dual mission of supporting research aimed at eradicating breast cancer and of tackling domestic and gender violence directed against women. Last year more than $725 million (€540 million) was raised and directed towards grassroots programs in more than 50 countries. According to the Avon website, funds raised to fight breast cancer are directed towards improving “awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and scientific research”. The beneficiaries of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade “range from leading cancer research and clinical centers to community-based, non-profit breast health education programs”.
In 2004 the Avon Foundation launched “Speak Out Against Domestic Violence” to raise awareness and funds and, crucially, to advocate for the more effective implementation of laws aimed at curbing violence towards women. Last year Avon awarded more than $12 million (€8.9 million) to domestic violence organizations to help fund awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs.
It seems that there is more than meets the eye to this “lipstick, powder & paint” and the current product range is pretty funky too. Is anyone else amazed to learn of the philanthropic achievements of Avon?
Yes, I am surprised. Good for them. They don’t crow about it either which is nice. I’ll remember this the next time I see one of their ads. Shame there isn’t an Avon Lady here.
Are there Avon Ladies here, Eleanor?
I think what’s poignant about this too is that for many (married) women, it was the only way open to them earn their own money. Like egg money for a later generation.
Slightly off topic, but Malcolm Gladwell has an amazing piece about the L’Oreal hair colour campaign in his latest collection, and how it changed over time to mean different things. Did you know the original slogan was “Because I’M worth it”? and not, as it has become, “Because YOU’RE worth it”. Think about what that says.
There are definitely Avon ladies here – behold! http://www.avon.ie/PRSuite/home_page.page
Not too late to join yourself…
There are indeed Rosita. The Irish website is http://www.avon.ie and they engage in charitable work here in Ireland too.
I know what you mean about it once being one of the few ways that married Irish women could earn money in their own right. My mum, like many others, was a very talented civil servant who fell foul of the marriage bar. She mutely accepted this blatant discrimination & left without a whisper, becoming dependent on her husband to this day. Our local Avon lady was in a similar situation but we thought she was an impossibly glamerous career woman rather than a drudge. Good for her.
Must read Gladwell. I am a fan. Amazing how one small word can completely alter the meaning.
I was unaware of this too, Eleanor, it puts a whole new face on their brand – pun intended. Whether it’s an Avon, Tupperware or Ann Summers party, my position has always been similar; your friend invites you, you’re in her house, she’s probably plying you with drink. Too much subliminal pressure! But this makes it a more worthwhile exercise…
And wasn’t Rachel O’ Reilly an Avon representative? Sadly, the ‘potential to secure an independently earned income’ element possibly resonated more strongly for her than other ladies. RIP
That’s amazing info Eleanor! I never knew or heard of the work they did. Great to see a corpo dishngi out the dosh for worthy causes. I remember the Avon ladies as a kid; they called to the door with a vanity case gizmo (the kind of case that looks like it holds human organs today) and smelled of sweets & candles. They were positively exotic in the 1970s…only to be replaced later by insurance salesmen and Mormons.
Yes weren’t they impossibly glamorous? We all wanted to grow up to be one. Truth was for many of them it was the only bit of money & self respect they could hope to generate in our unfair society.
Call me immature, but corporate philanthropy always makes me pause.. I realise that that money is doing a lot of good, but I wish there was a way to raise it that didn’t involve shilling a load of pink beribboned crap.
i love this