While International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the women in your life, it should also be an opportunity to uplift them, give them a platform to speak and lend a listening ear. Here are some brands who are choosing to do the latter this International Women’s Day and are giving back to the community.
1. ASOS X The Prince’s Trust
ASOS have collaborated with The Prince’s Trust for their latest campaign: #ChangeAGirlsLife. With an end goal of empowering women and celebrating their talents, ASOS have launched an edit showcasing female-owned brands such as Sunday Riley, WE ARE WE WEAR, Lottie London and more.
What’s more is the ASOS Foundation will also make a donation to the Women Supporting Women initiative in hopes of supporting young women’s development.
2. Netflix pledges $5 million to support the Next Generation of Female Storytellers
Netflix are showing up for women as they pledge $5 million (Dhs18 million) to the next generation of female storytellers. According to their website, the money will “go towards programs that help identify, train and provide work placements for up-and-coming women talent around the world.”
Some of the initial programs will support women in France, Germany and Canada, and Latinx women through various different opportunities.
3. Sephora x Project Glimmer
Sephora have partnered up with Project Glimmer to put your Sephora Insider points to good use! Sephora customers will be able to redeem their points as a charity reward and Sephora will use them to make a donation on the individual’s behalf.
Project Glimmer’s mission is “to inspire every girl to envision and realize her empowered future.”
4. NYU Abu Dhabi Week of Women in Sports
NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have announced the virtual edition of the second annual NYUAD Week of Women in Sports. The week long program is open to the public and will host a variety of talks, workshops and sessions. Activities such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, and mindfulness classes will also be taking place.
They are hoping for it to be a platform to connect with like-minded individuals within the athletic/sporting community and a chance for women to grow in a safe and conducive environment.
5. Gap x Girls Inc.
Launching their latest initiative, Gap’s campaign in collaboration with Girls Inc. aims to empower and inspire women everywhere. Alongside the release of their limited edition t-shirt that reads ‘First But Not Last’, they are also making a $25 thousand donation to Girls Inc. in honor of the powerhouses that are women.
6. UAE artist Nour El Saleh to partake in new domestic abuse charity art exhibition
In tandem with digital art gallery Purslane, Beirut-born and UAE-raised artist Nour El Saleh will be exhibiting her unique work as part of a bid to raise money for victims of domestic abuse. 25% of all sales will go towards Refuge, a UK-based charity who provide support for women and children survivors.
7. Banana Republic x International Center for Research on Women (ICRW)
Reissuing the Notorious Necklace for International Women’s Day, Banana Republic have pledged to donate $20 from the sale of each necklace to the ICRW up to $250 thousand. This comes after they raised $500 thousand (Dhs1,800 thousand) in donations already!
The ICRW are an organization who dedicate themselves to bridging gender inequity issues and finding solutions for women to help them become independent and able to fully participate in society.
8. Mango x Vicente Ferrer Foundation (VFF)
In collaboration with Ana Leovy, a Mexican artist, Mango have launched a capsule collection of t-shirts and a tote bag designed by Ana using sustainable materials! The profits from the sales will then be donated to the Vicente Ferrer Foundation.
The VFF’s aim is to empower rural communities in India and improve their living conditions. A gorgeous, eco-friendly tote and a good deed? Count me in!
9. L’Occitane shea hibiscus solidarity hand cream
The proceeds from this hand cream will do more than just hydrate your dry hands, all the profits will be put towards the L’Occitane Foundation which is responsible for supporting women in Burkina Faso by employing them to produce shea butter and giving them financial independence.
Since L’Occitane’s foundation was created in 2006, they have supported over 42 thousand women in Burkina Faso through various projects. Their aim is to support 18 thousand more women by 2025 to reach a goal of supporting 60 thousand women.
10. Organiks Plus: How women in rural Pakistan are claiming their independence
Established by the Hashoo Foundation, Organiks Plus are celebrating the success stories of women in rural Pakistan on International Women’s Day.
Organiks Plus have provided an opportunity for women to be self-sufficient and financially independent by employing them to work for them and produce their products. Aside from stability and a livelihood, they’re responsible for providing these women with a sense of purpose and ambition. Sustainable, natural and supportive of women? Now that’s a brand I can get behind.
11. YSL Beauty’s Abuse Is Not Love
YSL Beauty launched their new campaign today that honors Intimate Partner Violence survivors’ stories. They’re using their platform to share first-hand accounts, created from real testimonials in efforts of raising awareness and providing help to victims.
Stephan Bezy, International General Manager, Yves Saint Laurent Beauty, says, “Research shows that IPV comes with key warning signs. If these signs can be detected earlier, we may be able to recognize it better and seek or offer help.2 At YSL Beauty, we are committed to being a significant force of change and to raising awareness about this issue, and I am confident that this powerful campaign will contribute to our efforts.”
12. Adorn Yourself To Empower Her
Dubai-based social enterprise, Evolvin’ Women have partnered with D’NOUR DUBAI, an online jewelry brand that celebrates women. The duo collaborated to release a new line called ‘Adorn yourself to empower her’ where 15% of all sales will be given to the Evolvin’ Women program in efforts to empower women in developing countries by providing them will training to further develop their skillset.
The aim of the collaboration is to reduce the percentage of female unemployment by creating more job opportunities in the UAE.
Click here to check out 14 of the most inspiring women in the Middle East that you should know about. And here for all the UAE-based female-owned businesses you should be shopping from.