Every woman and a girl has the fundamental human right to live in a safe environment and lead a dignified life, free from violence and coercion, and without any form of discrimination. Yet, in Georgia, gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue, impacting thousands of women and girls each year, particularly in male-dominated rural areas where deeply rooted social norms and gender inequalities persist.

In the face of this challenge, to support, encourage, and empower women and girls, who have made strides in overcoming their trauma but still need the courage to continue toward economic independence, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Avon Cosmetics and non-governmental organization Anti-Violence Network of Georgia (AVNG) have united efforts.

Within the framework of the joint campaign, AVON started selling cosmetic products and accessories specially produced for charitable purposes. The profit from the sales, reaching USD 18 000, is directly benefiting women survivors (and their children) residing in the shelter of the AVNG. The initiative has offered a lifeline to survivors of GBV by providing reproductive healthcare, gynecological consultations, psychological support, and art therapy sessions. 

AVNG’s work is founded on over 23 years of experience, which has shown that most violence survivors are economically dependent on their abusers. This dependency is often one of the main reasons they are unable to break free from the "cycle of violence." 

Within the joint effort, 32 beneficiaries received shelter services, and 42 beneficiaries received psychological support at the crisis center, including 8 minors.

“Among the beneficiaries of the Anti-Violence Network of Georgia's (AVNG) shelter and crisis center, there are frequent cases where past experiences of violence have had a significant impact on their health, particularly in the reproductive sphere. This includes premature births, spontaneous abortions, low-birth-weight newborns, internal injuries, and other serious complications,” – says Director of AVNG, Nato Shavlakadze. 

The services provided by AVNG, supported by the UNFPA and AVON partnership initiative, ensured a safe environment for beneficiaries, improved their health and psychological well-being, and facilitated their economic independence and integration into the socio-economic system.

The partnership, launched in February 2023, combines UNFPA’s expertise in sexual and reproductive health, AVON’s experience in global campaigning, and on-the-ground services provided by AVNG, including shelter, counseling, and skills development. 

“At UNFPA Georgia, the fight against gender-based violence and harmful practices is more than just a mission—it’s a journey of change. Through powerful campaigns, tireless advocacy, and transformative capacity-building initiatives, we strive to create a society where everyone can live free from violence. But we know this fight cannot be won alone. True progress, the kind that lasts, happens when voices unite. That’s why we are forging partnerships—bringing together non-governmental and governmental actors, private companies, and communities to empower survivors, prevent violence, and build a future rooted in equality and respect” – says the Head of UNFPA Georgia Country Office, Mariam Bandzeladze.

This collaboration underscores the transformative role the private sector can play in addressing social issues, not just through financial contributions, but by acting as catalysts for real change.

Since 2020 the UNFPA and AVON have been enjoying close cooperation. AVON’s ongoing support extends beyond financial contributions; the company has helped raise awareness about gender-based violence while actively promoting the rights of women and girls. With continued commitment, the campaign promises to make an even greater impact, offering hope, empowerment, and a path forward for survivors of gender-based violence.

"At AVON, we are committed to supporting women’s well-being and empowerment in meaningful ways. Our collaboration with UNFPA and AVNG reflects our dedication to addressing gender-based violence by providing direct support to survivors. Through this initiative, we have been able to contribute to essential services, including psychological assistance, healthcare, and economic reintegration programs. We believe that partnerships like this create real, lasting change, and we remain focused on initiatives that promote safety, independence, and opportunities for women throughout Georgia," says Director of Avon Georgia, Mariam Pakatsoshvili.

UNFPA remains committed to advocating for continued partnerships to undertake collaborative efforts to achieve tangible impact through strategic outreach and resource mobilization within the framework of the Joint UN Programme for Gender Equality supported by the Government of Sweden.

UNFPA’s collaboration with AVON and AVNG stands as a testament to the power of effective public-private partnerships in addressing social issues aimed to serve those left behind, particularly women and children affected by violence.