What does a cosmetic company and women’s rights have in common? The answer is both aim to empower women.
Long before there was women’s rights, Avon has been changing the way women directed their own financial and social independence. It was 125 years ago that a traveling book salesman believed in the power of women to change lives through creating networks. Fast forward to 2011 and Avon is still changing the lives of women. One such example is Davao City’s very own Marissa Bernales.
Marissa Bernales is a Senior Executive Manager of Avon and has been affiliated with the company for 22 years. Before joining Avon, Marissa was a former lady guard and a side walk vendor. Life took on a brighter hue when she found out about Avon and the company’s promise of earning opportunity. There’s no looking back for Marissa since then. She now has 338 active Franchise Dealers, she’s a consistent President’s Club Golden Circle member and KPI awardee. Indeed, Marissa’s aspiration of providing the best for her family through quality education and a comfortable life is realized.
And being that 2011 is a milestone year, Avon has held numerous events focusing on its rich heritage of empowering women to support themselves and their families. These include the Avon Believe World Tour, which visited 16 cities and made a stop in Manila last August 2, hosted by no less than the company’s Chairman and CEO Andrea Jung.
To ensure that the spirit of celebration is aflame throughout the archipelago, Avon Philippines President and General Manager Mike Gudgin recently visited Avon Davao Branch. The visit included a special meeting with members of the press where Mr. Gudgin shared the latest news about Avon.
“More than ever, we believe so strongly in our mission as the company for women to improve women’s lives and make a difference. Our belief in our purpose has been our guiding compass for 125 years, and it will remain our roadmap for the future,” Mr. Gudgin said in his special message to the press.
During the gathering, Mr. Gudgin emphasized how Avon is more than ever committed to providing women with the best earning opportunities, the best products and to champion causes that are relevant and important to them.
Mr. Gudgin also added, “Avon is the Number 1 direct selling company, a leadership position we’ve held for the past 33 years in the country. No other direct selling company enjoys the same level of brand recognition as Avon. Our brands are preferred and trusted by women. That allows our Representatives to sell Avon products more easily and that means more earnings for them.”
Mr. Gudgin likewise stressed Avon’s commitment to the breast cancer and domestic violence crusade and the campaign to help preserve Mother Earth. “Corporate social responsibility is part of Avon’s DNA and our commitment to championing women’s causes is stronger than ever. No other direct selling company takes this commitment as seriously as we do.”
To further support this, Mr. Gudgin shared that as part of Avon’s 125th anniversary celebration, Avon launched the $2 Avon Global Believe Fund this year, continuing the company’s work to end violence against women. The fund is making grants throughout 2011 to women’s domestic violence shelters and agencies. 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. During the Believe World Tour in Manila, Avon CEO and Chairman Ms. Jung awarded USD60,000 from this fund to Women’s Crisis Center, one of Avon Philippines’ local NGO partners for its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence.
Imagine all this just because Avon believed.
