Avon takes its beauty democracy to LGBTQI community
JOBURG – Avon believes in beauty democracy which is inclusive beauty that is open to all, says Momin Hukamdad.
Avon Justine decided to ‘pour its heart out to children of the Guild Cottage Children’s Home in Parktown West as part of its simultaneous celebration of Pride Month and Youth Month.
Pride Month is celebrated globally each year in the month of June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots, the uprising that marked the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against the LGBTQI community, and in South Africa, it coincided with Youth Month which marks the 1976 Soweto uprisings.
Avon Justine decided to join the children of Guild Cottage after being approached by retired Constitutional Court Justice Edwin Cameron, who happens to be a patron of the home, as some of these children are not just physically and sexually abused but are also victims of abuse under the LGBTQI category.
“Since its inception some 135 years ago, Avon has been more than just a beauty company, it is an organisation that has unashamedly advocated for the complete emancipation of women.
“We have harnessed, and continue to leverage the power of beauty to create a better and safer world for women. The commemoration of Pride Month resonates with our values as it speaks to the importance of giving women agency and the freedom to choose whom they want to love without any fear of violent reprisals, as has tragically been the case in this country,” said Momin Hukamdad, executive commercial marketing director at Avon Justine.
Hukamdad said the global beauty company believes in beauty democracy which he described as inclusive beauty that is open to all. “Through outpouring our hearts to the Guild Cottage and Pride Month, Avon Justine is nailing its colours to the mast and reaffirming its commitment to being a fearless activist that will champion for the removal of any barriers that hold women back,” he added.
Judge Cameron, who openly declared his gay status some years back, described Guild Cottage as a specialised facility and rehabilitation home and place of safety for children who have been physically, emotionally, and sexually abused and said it is the only short-term facility of its kind in South Africa.
“I am delighted that Avon has made this donation to a thoroughly deserving children’s project,” said Judge Cameron. The hampers consist of essential personal care products that are also critical during the Covid-19 pandemic.
