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L'Oréal Paris Unveils the 'Missed Opportunities' Campaign

In observance of International Anti-Street Harassment Week, L'Oréal Paris has introduced its latest global campaign, Missed Opportunities. This initiative builds upon the previous Stand Up Against Street Harassment program, which was established in collaboration with the international NGO, Right To Be, back in 2020.

The campaign sheds light on the often hidden yet pervasive impacts of street harassment, a social issue that significantly limits women's freedom in daily life. According to data presented in the campaign, nearly 87% of women actively modify their behavior to enhance safety while navigating public spaces. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for discussion and action: almost half of all women have declined opportunities—be it in their personal, social, or professional lives—due to the fear of being harassed. This means that many women are missing out on job offers, educational pursuits, and social gatherings, not due to disinterest, but because their safety feels compromised.

The Missed Opportunities campaign aims to empower women and foster a community dedicated to reclaiming public spaces. It provides practical intervention strategies for bystanders to use when they witness harassment, effectively transforming them into allies. At the forefront of this initiative are L'Oréal Paris Global Ambassadors, including Eva Longoria, Aja Naomi King, and Cara Delevingne, who are candidly sharing their personal experiences with street harassment and advocating for active intervention.

Eva Longoria articulated a sentiment echoed by many, stating, "We've been quietly organizing our lives around fear, and most of us didn't even have a name for it until now. Missed Opportunities gives it a name and Stand Up offers a means to reclaim our power and raise awareness. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported while navigating the world."

Aja Naomi King highlighted the emotional toll that street harassment can impose, describing how it can make women feel small and overly cautious in public settings. "It reinforces the idea that our safety is never guaranteed, which can destroy confidence and a sense of personal value. Women should have the right to feel safe and respected in public spaces," she emphasized.

The broader implications of street harassment also carry significant weight. As Cara Delevingne pointed out, fostering cultural change is crucial, stating, "It's not just about discussing the issue; it's about being part of the solution. We need to challenge normalized silence and stand together in creating safer community spaces."

To facilitate change, L'Oréal Paris continues its commitment to equipping individuals with effective tools through the Stand Up Against Street Harassment program. This initiative instructs participants in the 5D's methodology: Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct. These five straightforward strategies empower individuals to safely intervene during instances of harassment.

Since its inception, over 5 million individuals have been trained in 47 countries, with a goal to increase this number to 6 million by the end of 2026. The campaign invites the global community to join the movement. Those interested in learning more and participating can visit StandUp-US.com.

About L'Oréal Paris

L'Oréal Paris stands as the leading beauty brand worldwide, with a presence in 150 countries. Through its innovative products and commitment to empowerment, L'Oréal Paris inspires women to embrace their self-worth and claim their rightful place in society.

About the Stand Up Against Street Harassment Program

Worldwide, an overwhelming 80% of women report experiencing street harassment, yet 85% believe there is an insufficient understanding of how to intervene. Recognizing this gap, L'Oréal Paris established the Stand Up Against Street Harassment program in collaboration with Right To Be. The program strives to raise awareness and equip individuals with the techniques necessary to respond effectively to harassment incidents.

Learn more about this initiative and how you can contribute to creating safer environments by visiting the Stand Up program website.

About Right To Be

Right To Be is an organization committed to ending harassment globally. Born from a youth-driven blog sharing personal accounts of harassment, it now plays a significant role in fostering public conversation and advocating for safe and inclusive environments for everyone.