On International Women’s Day, Coty Inc. announced a two-year partnership between Max Factor UK and UNICEF to support Skills4Girls. Over the next two years, the program will help give young girls the tools and resources to reach their full potential and become the next generation of successful leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.
Worldwide, the UNICEF project aims to unlock the potential of 11.5 million girls in more than 30 countries by providing training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), digital technologies, and social entrepreneurship—as well as life skills.
Globally, one in four girls aged 15-19 is not educated, trained, or employed, compared with approximately one in 10 boys of the same age. When girls do not complete their secondary education, they often lack critical skills, mentors, and access to on-the-job training needed to transition to employment.
Investing in the success of girls has the power to create a positive ripple effect, benefiting entire families, communities, and societies. Research shows that every $1 spent on girls’ rights and education would generate a $2.80 return for the national economy. If every girl received 12 years of quality education, earnings for women globally could increase by $15-30 trillion, in turn enabling all girls to thrive and make their mark in previously male dominated fields.
As the official supporter of the partnership, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Priyanka Chopra Jonas says, “Throughout my time with UNICEF, I have witnessed first-hand the importance of empowering young girls in disadvantaged marginalized communities and giving them the skills and opportunity to fulfill their dreams. Showing young people that their ambitions are achievable, and giving them the support to get there, is rewarding and critical for their future. I’m so proud that Max Factor and UNICEF are joining forces to inspire real change.”
Coty Vice President of Global Marketing, Max Factor, Janine Fernandez, says, “At Coty, we believe we have an important role to play in society through our brands, which champion self-expression and challenge stereotypes. Max Factor and Priyanka Chopra Jonas have been shaking up the beauty space, celebrating individuality, empowerment, and inclusivity. We are proud to launch the new Max Factor UK and UNICEF’s Skills4Girls partnership and invest in the lives of these young girls, giving them hope for brighter futures.”
Founded in 1909, Max Factor has always promoted transformation and empowerment, and championed important social causes like gender equality through campaigns like #breakthebias, which launched on International Women’s Day 2022 with global brand ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, works to build a better world for every child, every day, everywhere.