4.3.3.7.3. For Women in Science: a programme of the L’Oréal Foundation
Since 1998, the L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science programme has worked to accelerate the careers of female scientists and fight the obstacles they encounter, enabling them to contribute to solving the great challenges of our time.
To date, the International “L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science” Awards has honoured 127 women, distinguished for their careers and the excellence of their scientific work. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the award, a special tribute was paid to three refugee scientists, highlighting their remarkable scientific contributions and experience. The number of women who have been awarded the International Award and gone on to win Nobel Prizes has risen from 5 to 7 this year, following recognition of the exceptional achievements of Katalin Karikó and Anne L’Huillier, who were awarded the Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine and the Nobel Prize for Physics respectively.
Each year, the Young Talent programme rewards more than 250 women at PhD and post-doctoral levels. These programmes are rolled out in more than 110 countries. Among these programmes, the one dedicated to Sub-Saharan Africa has increased the number of endowments it awards from 20 to 30.
Aimed at encouraging girls aged 15 and over to pursuescientific careers, the For Girls in Science programme saw its numbers increase this year, now reaching 350 students. In partnership with Universcience, the Foundation organised an interactive exhibition in the Forum of the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, a science museum in Paris. During this meeting, members of the Young Talent programme discussed their careers and their research work and answered questions from more than 500 high school girls and boys.
Over 4,300 female scientists, in morethan 110 countries, distinguished and recognised since 1998.
Over 4,300 female scientists, in morethan 110 countries, distinguished and recognised since 1998.
4.3.3.7.4. The L’Oréal Fund for Women: a charitable fund to support women in extremely vulnerable situations throughout the world
As a long-term supporter of women’s rights, L’Oréal launched in 2020 a €50 million charitable endowment fund as part of its L’Oréal for the Future programme. In 2023 the Fund was extended for an additional three years, with an endowment of €30 million. It aims to support local organisations in their efforts to assist women in extremely vulnerable situations, prevent domestic and sexual violence and support victims. Particular attention is paid to projects aimed at helping women who are vulnerable on a number of fronts, particularly refugees or women with disabilities.
Beyond emergency relief the L’Oréal Fund for Women wants to make a proactive contribution to the resilience of women and girls, by supporting social and professional integration projects and breaking down the barriers to education. Since it was launched, the L’Oréal Fund for Women has supported more than 420 organisations around the world, which support more than 2,560,000 direct beneficiaries.
4.3.3.7.5. Brand programmes: examples
Since 2020, YSL Beauty has been committed to combating domestic violence with its“Abuse is Not Love“ programme. The brand works with local NGOs to help and raise awareness among victims and those close to them of the telltale signs an abusive relationship. In 2023, 422,553 people were supported by and/or completed a learning programme delivered by a local community partner.
Over the past 15 years, the Helena Rubinstein brand has supported women who want to become entrepreneurs. In 2023, it supported 484 women with the assistance of its partner NGOs Forces Femmes in France and China Women’s Development Foundation in China(1).Consolidated data based on a statement submitted directly by partner NGOs
In 2023, L’Oréal Professionnel launched its Head Up campaign, a learning programme co-created with the NGO NAMI, to help haircare professionals reduce their mental load. 77,818 hairstylists have already taken this online course.
4.3.3.7.6. Responsible and Inclusive Sourcing
Over 60% of people supported by the Group’s Inclusive Sourcing programme are women (see paragraph 4.3.3.6.). A total of 42,571 jobs across 94 projects encompassing 230 local initiatives specifically related to the emancipation of women in 38 countries, with the support of 21 associations and NGO partners. These projects support:
- female producers of raw materials such as shea, centella, argan, babaçu or galanga cultivated and harvested in accordance with fair trade principles;
- women from various vulnerable local communities, or who have assumed positions usually held by men;
- beneficiaries through support for women-owned businesses (suppliers that are 51% or more owned, controlled and led by women). In 2023, the Group continued to accelerate its strategy to support female entrepreneurship, reconfirming its commitment in WEConnect International(2).WEConnect International is an international network that certifies and connects “women-owned” suppliers with their target customer companies. Since 2020, the Group has increased eightfold the number of jobs with suppliers owned, controlled and managed by women: 5,262 jobs in 27 countries. This strategy, initiated many years ago in the United States through the partnership with The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, is being deployed and accelerated worldwide;
- single mothers (746 single mothers in Latin America);
- military wives (in the United States); and
- women who are victims of violence.
In addition to agriculture, these projects concern a broad range of manufacturing activities and services: production, assembly, logistics, sales, marketing, or digital business activities.
(1)Consolidated data based on a statement submitted directly by partner NGOs
(2)WEConnect International is an international network that certifies and connects “women-owned” suppliers with their target customer companies.