LVMH commits to campaign to stop violence against women

By

Godfrey Deeny

Published
Nov 25, 2020

LVMH has announced plans to enhance its commitment to the campaign to prevent violence against women.

 
On Wednesday, November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the luxury group revealed it will donate funds to cover 1,000 hotel nights for the non-profit “Fondation des Femmes,” enabling it to provide emergency accommodation to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. 
 
These enhanced efforts came following a call to action by France’s Minister for Gender Equality, Diversity and Equal Opportunities, Elisabeth Moreno, to help relay a public communication campaign made particularly urgent by the Covid-19 crisis. 

LVMH clearly felt the responsibility, since women account for the large majority (73%) of its 163,000 employees and represent the target audience for many of its products.

“It’s reassuring to have a major group like LVMH at our side. To eliminate violence against women, we need to get all stakeholders in society involved. The commitment made by LVMH will enable us to provide an immediate and very practical response to a dire situation,” said Minister Moreno in a release.  
 
The Paris-based group – whose stable of brands include Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Fendi, Sephora and eventually Tiffany -  plans to join other major businesses that have volunteered to share and promote the Ministry’s messages and help publicize the emergency numbers that women can call to get help. 
 
“Gender equality is one of the main focuses of our human resources policies… Transforming a global network of women employees into a genuine community, LVMH boosts women’s career development and provides personal and professional support to female employees, in particular by giving them the self-confidence necessary to achieve their ambitions,” said Chantal Gaemperle, LVMH executive vice president, human resources & synergies.
 
Unfortunately, lockdown measures and the associated restrictions on movement have spurred an increase in incidences of violence, particularly domestic violence, while also making it more difficult to protect victims, the group noted.
 
“LVMH is a socially responsible business… When it comes to urgent issues such as the protection of women and children – an absolute priority in my view – it’s clear that we have a duty to act,” stressed Antoine Arnault, LVMH director of image, communication and the environment.