Women's Aid and Avon launch the Empowering Women Awards with Marie Claire magazine

Tue, 2nd Mar 10

For immediate release

On Monday 1st March, national domestic violence charity Women’s Aid launched the Avon and Women’s Aid Empowering Women Awards, in association with Marie Claire, at a reception at the Mandarin Oriental in London. The Awards provide a platform to celebrate the achievements and bravery of women survivors of domestic violence and those who are working and campaigning to support women who have experienced abuse.

The reception was attended by VIP supporters including Women’s Aid Ambassador Tana Ramsay, who is judging the Awards alongside Avon Global Ambassador Reese Witherspoon, Marie Claire Editor Trish Halpin, Women’s Aid Chief Executive Nicola Harwin CBE, Women’s Aid Patron Sarah Brown and Avon UK President Anna Segatti.

Other guests at the event included Women’s Aid Ambassadors Will Young and Bill Ward, singer Beverley Knight, Sky Sports presenter Charlie Webster, Midsomer Murders actor Kirsty Dillon, food writer Ravinder Bhogul, and TV presenter Lizzie Cundy.

Women's Aid Chief Executive Nicola Harwin CBE said:
"We are delighted to announce the launch of the Avon and Women's Aid Empowering Women Awards in association with Marie Claire magazine. At Women's Aid we know from over 35 years of working with abused women and children that domestic and sexual violence can happen to absolutely any woman regardless of her age, race or background, affecting 1 in 4 women at some point in her lifetime. We also know how difficult it can be for a woman to leave an abusive relationship and rebuild her and her children's lives, and through our work have met many women whose achievements have been inspirational. As well as celebrating the triumphs of survivors of domestic violence, we also want to highlight the fantastic work of the campaigners, activists and service providers that work so hard to end violence against women and children. If you or someone you know deserves an Award, go to www.womensaid.org.uk and nominate now."

Anna Segatti, President of Avon UK commented,
"We should all play a part in breaking down the barrier of silence around domestic violence, which as an issue has been in the dark too long.  By working with Women's Aid, Avon can help facilitate better services for women experiencing domestic violence and give them the ways to speak more openly about abuse.  At Avon we believe that if you empower a woman you can change the world. These awards will celebrate the courage of women who have experienced domestic violence and the unflagging efforts of those who support them."

The Awards aim to raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence and are open to women from all walks of life to honour their achievements in the following categories:

Woman Survivor of the Year - awarded to a woman survivor of domestic violence who has inspired others.
Marie Claire Campaigner Against Domestic Violence - awarded to a woman who is committed to campaigning against domestic violence and is working to make a difference for the future.
Grass Roots Hero - a woman volunteer who goes beyond the call of duty to help survivors in need of support. The winner will receive a £10,000 donation for a domestic violence charitable project, of their choice.
 
Reese Witherspoon, Avon Global Ambassador said:
"Domestic Violence affects one in four women in the UK , and many are suffering in silence. It's so important that we find a way to reach out in every community and offer our understanding, protection and support. I'm proud to be part of Avon and Women's Aid Empowering Women Awards, drawing attention to the bravery of some incredible women who have stood up against domestic violence, and celebrating the achievements of others who are determined to end this debilitating pandemic." 

Applications for the Avon and Women's Aid Empowering Women Awards open on 25 th February at www.womensaid.org.uk and close on 30 th April 2010.

Ends

Available pictures can be previewed at: http://www.womensaid.org.uk/page.asp?section=00010001001000140004&sectionTitle=The+Launch

Notes to editors
 

1. About Women’s Aid
Women's Aid is the national domestic violence charity that co-ordinates and supports an England-wide network of over 370 local organisations which provide over 500 services working to end violence against women and children. Keeping the voices of survivors at the heart of its work, Women's Aid campaigns for better legal protection and services, providing a strategic "expert view" to government on laws, policy and practice affecting abused women and children. In partnership with its national network, Women's Aid runs public awareness and education campaigns, bringing together national and local action, and developing new training and resources.

Women's Aid provides a package of vital 24 hour lifeline services through its publications (available in 11 languages), website www.womensaid.org.uk, and runs the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline in partnership with Refuge.  Women’s Aid is a registered charity no 1054154. 

2. About Avon

Avon is the world's leading direct seller of beauty and related products, with $10 billion in annual revenues. Avon markets to women around the world through over 6 million independent Representatives. Avon product lines include Avon Colour, Anew, Skin So Soft and Advance Techniques Hair Care. Avon  also  sells  an  extensive  range  of  wellbeing products, jewellery, lingerie,  accessories  and  gifts.   In the UK alone, Avon Representatives reach nearly one in three women.  Since 1992, Avon (UK) has raised over £15 million for breast cancer charities.   In 2009, Avon was voted the UK’s fifth favourite brand according to Verdict Research.  More information can be found at avon.uk.com.

Visit Avon’s Twitter at http://twitter.com/Avon_UK and Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/Avonuk

Purchasing
The Avon range is not available in shops.  To contact your nearest Representative call 0845 601 4040 or buy online at avonshop.co.uk. All purchases are supported by a 100% money back guarantee. Customers in Ireland should call 00 353 1870 6540.