At least one out of three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Violence towards women devastates lives, fractures communities, and stalls development. Women are the heart of communities’ equilibrium as they are the cornerstone of pillars such as family, economy, health, education and culture.

Yet, throughout the planet, wherever women’s dignity and integrity are abused, I believe that each one of us bears a share of responsibility. In line with our long-standing engagement in solidarity initiatives, my wish is for PPR to stand by the side of women across the world. Such is the spirit governing my decision to create the Foundation for Women’s Dignity and Rights.

The Foundation will pursue two goals: fight violence against women and empower women to fully contribute to their own development and that of their families and communities. It will support awareness-raising campaigns on women’s rights and solidarity projects in partnership with local and international NGOs. The Foundation will also fight the economic marginalization of women by promoting their integration into the workforce and facilitating their access to microcredit facilities.

I am convinced that the commitment of PPR Group and its employees, together with our partners, will bolster the actions currently underway, promote new initiatives and contribute positively to the promotion of and respect for women’s dignity and rights.

François-Henri Pinault
Chairman of the PPR Corporate Foundation for Women’s Dignity and Rights