Beauty giant Avon celebrates 125th anniversary

Global Chairman & CEO Andrea Jung to visit India as part of 16-City world tour celebrating women's empowerment.

July 20, 2011:

Avon Chairman and CEO Andrea Jung embark on 16-city “Avon Believe World Tour”, to celebrate the company's 125 Years heritage and belief in its mission to empower women. As part of the 16-city World Tour, Jung will visit India for the first time in August 2011.

Throughout 2011, approximately 125,000 Avon Representatives are expected to participate in the Avon Believe World Tour as it visits Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, London, Istanbul, New York, Chicago, Mexico City, Warsaw, Moscow, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Manila, Shanghai, New Delhi and Johannesburg.

During the first event in Atlanta, Jung announced the creation of a new fund that will launch a pioneering effort to support women's domestic violence shelters and agencies as part of the $1 million Avon Global Believe Fund set apart for each of the 16 cities on the tour.  This global effort also aims to draw attention to the alarming lack of adequate services for women and children who are victims of domestic violence in communities everywhere.

“As the company for women, Avon feels an obligation and responsibility to play a leadership role in helping to improve the lives of women around the world, and we truly believe we can make a difference,” says CEO Andrea Jung. “Avon was founded in 1886, on the then-revolutionary concept that women could earn an independent income, and achieve financial freedom and personal empowerment. Decade in and decade out, the 'Avon lady' has been at the forefront of the changing role of women.”

2011 also marks the completion of 15 years for Avon India. Speaking on the occasion, Hemant Singh, Managing Director – Avon India said, “For 125 years, we have strived to make a difference in the lives of women across the globe. This year Avon India also achieves a milestone with completion of 15 years. It is indeed a moment of pride for all of us. We hope to continue changing lives beautifully, in the years to come!”

The Avon Foundation for Women will partner with the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) to identify and fund an international network of outstanding nonprofit organizations to help them provide critical life-saving services for victims of domestic violence and their families.

Avon's new $1 million commitment is in addition to the company's previously announced financial donations to other major partners in global efforts to stop violence against women.

Other 125^th Anniversary Programs

In addition to the Avon Believe World Tour and Avon Global Believe Fund, Avon is also celebrating 125 years of empowering women with its previously-announced program, Avon Voices, the first-ever online singing talent search for women and songwriting competition for women and men.

Of 6000 initial entries across 60 countries for the singing talent search, there is one woman, Aisha Ali, who represents India as part of top 25 for the Semifinals of the contest. Already having travelled to Hong Kong for the Round 1 of the contest, she will now be flying to Hollywood, California for the Semifinals.

Culminating later this Fall, up to 10 Global Finalists will join many of Avon Voices celebrity judges to record an anthem written by Diane Warren that will debut live at the Avon Foundation for Women Annual Gala in New York City, and be available for purchase in certain countries.  At the Gala, two Avon Voices winners – one an Avon Representative – will be announced, and will receive an opportunity to record a professionally produced album.

The finalists will be selected by a combination of online public voting and renowned judging panel of music industry leaders from around the world, including: Fergie, six-time Grammy award winner; Diane Warren, legendary songwriter; Natasha Bedingfield; among others. More information is available at www.AvonVoices.com.

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