Women around the world continue to face disproportionate social and economic challenges caused by today’s global crises. From poverty and violence to armed conflict and displacement, these pressures affect women and girls first—and often the most. As a result, targeted action remains essential.
Since its launch in 2020, the L’Oréal Fund for Women has taken concrete steps to support women on the front lines of crisis. Through sustained investment and strong partnerships, the Fund continues to drive meaningful change.
The Impact of the L’Oréal Fund for Women Since 2020
Since the creation of the Fund, more than 530 frontline non-profit organizations have received support. Together, these organizations have directly helped over 4.8 million women and girls worldwide.
After three successful years of operation (2020–2023), the Fund entered a new phase. In 2023, L’Oréal renewed the initiative for three additional years (2023–2026) with a €30 million budget. With this renewed commitment, the Fund continues to address urgent social challenges and strengthen long-term resilience for women.
Why L’Oréal Supports Women and Girls
The L’Oréal Fund for Women data paints a clear picture. In 2024, an estimated 24.3 million more women than men will live in extreme poverty. At the current pace, eliminating extreme poverty among women could take another 137 years (UN Women, 2024).
Moreover, violence against women remains widespread. Nearly one in three women globally, around 736 million women, has experienced physical or sexual violence at least once. This figure does not even include sexual harassment, which further highlights the scale of the problem (UN Women, 2024).
Despite these realities, only 4% of bilateral international aid programs primarily focus on supporting women (OECD, 2022). Therefore, investing in women is not optional. It is essential to build a sustainable, fair, and inclusive future.
Women at Greater Risk During Armed Conflicts
Armed conflicts place women in particularly vulnerable situations. Over the past three years, the war in Ukraine has forced more than 6.1 million people to flee their homes, creating the largest displacement crisis since World War II (UNHCR, 2024). Notably, 63% of displaced people are women and children.
During conflicts, women face heightened risks of sexual violence, torture, and exploitation. Today, 257 million women live in countries where conflict increases sexual violence (Care, 2024).
In response, the L’Oréal Fund for Women supports local and international NGOs working on the ground. These partners include the Red Cross, SINGA, and UN agencies such as UNHCR and UNICEF. Together, they provide emergency shelter, healthcare, psychological and legal support, protection against trafficking, and access to education and employment.
Building Stronger Communities Through Action
By supporting trusted organizations, the L’Oréal Fund for Women helps women recover, rebuild, and regain independence. At the same time, these efforts strengthen entire communities. When women receive support, families and societies benefit as well.
To learn more about the Fund’s work and impact, readers can consult the annual report of the L’Oréal Fund for Women or explore its broader commitment to empowering communities. Now more than ever, collective action matters. Non-profit organizations working to support women facing extreme vulnerability are encouraged to apply to the L’Oréal Fund for Women and become part of a global movement for equity and resilience. For more information, check HERE.
