Avon Argentina recognises five women committed to their communities and funds social change projects at the 12th annual Avon Foundation Women Solidarity Awards

The Avon Foundation Argentina announces new awards totalling $1M to women-led social projects. Five winners will be granted $200,000 each towards an initiative they’ve created and implemented to improve the lives of people in their communities. The Awards aim to stimulate and support community projects with a female-focus to create positive social and economic change across the country.

Since its launch in 2007, the Solidarity Awards have provided 35 grants, selected from more than 1,300 projects submitted by women from all over the country. Among this year’s winners are Carmen Laffont for Building Future, a project to tackle illiteracy and support young people to attend and finish their schooling; and Brenda Pignol Ramos, with Recycling with Inclusion, am initiative to promote environmental sustainability and facilitate the inclusion of women with disabilities into the work force. Also recognised was Mirtha Graciela Sisnero whose project focuses on gender perspective and human rights training for SAETA, a transportation corporation. Mirtha’s legal case regarding her right to work as a bus driver in the public transportation system of the city of Salta has become one of the most significant legal milestones for women’s rights in Argentina.

The winners are selected by a panel comprising leaders from across the social and academic field, including Alejandra García, Member of the Gender Team of PNUD Argentina and Daniela Reich, Senator for the Province of Buenos Aires.

Jan Zijderveld was present at the award presentation in Buenos Aires on August 27th. He said: “Creating opportunities for women is at the heart of Avon’s business and purpose. It’s terrific to see the Avon Foundation Women Solidarity Awards in Argentina bring this to life, opening up opportunities for women, their communities, the country and our world. It’s humbling to meet these inspiring individuals who are outstanding examples of the ripple effect that one person can have. These women are leading positive social change and I’m delighted that Avon is part of their journey to open up and accelerate the impact these projects can have.”