Lucy Gaskell, Jenny Halpern, Tanya Bryer, Charlie Webster, Paula Hamilton, Lizzie Cundy, Jackie Tyson
A host of celebrity supporters turned out for the launch of the Avon and Women’s Aid Empowering Women Awards at The May Fair Hotel in London.
The exclusive event saw the announcement of this year’s award categories, created to recognise and honour inspirational women who have either experienced domestic violence or who work tirelessly to support those affected by abuse.
The awards, now in their second year, help to mark the cosmetics company’s global 125th anniversary and its dedication to helping end violence against women. New to the 2011 awards is an additional category, Child Survivor of the Year, which will sit alongside the existing recognition of Woman Survivor of the Year, Grass Roots Hero and Marie Claire Campaigner Against Domestic Violence.
The category winners will be selected by a high profile judging panel including Alesha Dixon; Sarah Brown; TV presenter and child survivor of domestic violence, Charlie Webster; senior vice president of Avon WEMEA, Anna Segatti; Women’s Aid chief executive Nicola Harwin and Marie Claire editor Trish Halpin.
Comments Anna Segatti, senior vice president of Avon WEMEA: "As Avon celebrates 125 years of empowering women, we are proud to be launching the 2011 Avon and Women’s Aid Empowering Women Awards to honour some of today’s most inspirational and brave women in the UK.
"As the company for women, Avon is committed to speaking out against the often hidden crime of domestic violence.
"I’m therefore delighted that, for the second year running, we will recognise the courage of those who have survived domestic violence and celebrate the achievements of others who are determined to help end abuse.
"I urge you to join us by nominating yourself or someone you know for one of these special awards."
Nicola Harwin CBE, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, said: "Women’s Aid, as the national domestic violence charity, is proud to be working in partnership with Avon to launch the second year of the Avon and Women's Aid Empowering Women Awards.
"Last year we celebrated the achievements of some of the most admirable and courageous women in the UK, and this year we look forward to again being able to honour real women who are making a difference - both survivors of domestic violence and those who dedicate their lives to helping those affected by violence in the home.
"We're also delighted to be working with Marie Claire magazine for a second year who help us to tell the stories of the women nominated and raise vital awareness of the issue with their readership."
Women can nominate themselves, or others, at avon.uk.com from 5th May 2011 to 8th June 2011. The finalists will be invited to a ceremony at Claridges in London where their outstanding achievements in the fight against domestic violence will be recognised.
Avon has raised over $800 million globally for women’s causes, mobilising its 6.5 million Independent Avon Representatives to help eradicate domestic violence.