Beauty product firm Avon has named domestic abuse prevention charity Women’s Aid as the first UK recipient of its global Equal Futures Fund, which has been set up to tackle gender bias.

Women’s Aid will receive £37,000 towards running its Young Ambassadors programme, which empowers children and young people to challenge harmful gender norms and domestic abuse through peer-led education.

“Young Ambassadors will run activities, promote belonging, challenge inequalities, and advocate against misogyny and abuse,” explained Avon.

It added that older Youth Ambassadors “can embark on management qualifications to provide them with practical skills in communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution”.

“Gender bias has silenced voices and limited women’s potential for too long,” said Avon chief executive Kristof Neirynck.

“Through the Equal Futures Fund, we’re committed to supporting local organisations to drive positive change and address gender bias and inequity head on.”

The fund is supported by global coalition No More, whose chief executive Pamela Zaballa said the fund was part of the “critical effort to dismantle gender bias and prevent gender-based violence”.

She added: “By fuelling honest conversations, increasing awareness of existing biases and discrimination, and investing in community education, we know this initiative will drive lasting and meaningful change.

“It is imperative not just for women and girls, but for everyone to live in a more secure respectful, and prosperous world.”

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