#United States #New York #L'Oréal Paris #Anti-Street Harassment #Stand Up

L'Oréal Paris Launches 'Never Your Fault' Campaign

For International Anti-Street Harassment Week, L'Oréal Paris has introduced its significant initiative, the "Never Your Fault" campaign, as an extension of its Stand Up program. This campaign aims to raise awareness and empower women globally amid the ongoing issue of street harassment, which affects countless individuals in public spaces.

An Urgent Mission

A recent international survey conducted by L'Oréal Paris in partnership with Ipsos revealed that a staggering 75% of women worldwide have encountered harassment in public at least once. Moreover, 47% reported experiencing sexually suggestive comments regarding their appearance. Such alarming statistics underline the deep-seated nature of street harassment, illustrating the dire need for educational efforts to combat public harassment.

This campaign emphasizes a crucial message: harassment is not the fault of the victim, regardless of their clothing or appearance. "It's never your fault, your clothes, nor your make-up. Everyone should be reminded of this every day," expressed Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, the global president of L'Oréal Paris. The campaign strives to shift societal perceptions about harassment, encouraging women to embrace their identity without fear of judgment.

Addressing Misconceptions

A key aspect of the campaign is challenging the misconceptions surrounding street harassment. A significant portion of women adjusts their clothing or behavior due to fear of harassment, with 60% reporting changes to avoid unwanted attention. This behavior highlights the psychological toll street harassment takes on women, often leading them to feel unsafe and insecure in public spaces.

Emily May, President and Co-Founder of the international NGO Right To Be, noted, "Street harassment is never your fault. No matter who you are, and no matter where you go, you deserve to feel safe and confident." This sentiment encapsulates the campaign’s purpose: to remind every woman that they do not need to alter themselves to avoid harassment.

The Stand Up Initiative

The Stand Up initiative was launched by L'Oréal Paris in 2020 in collaboration with Right To Be, aiming to educate the public about street harassment. Training provided through this program incorporates a methodology known as the 5D's: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Document, and Delay — strategies that empower individuals to safely intervene when witnessing or experiencing harassment.

Since its inception, Stand Up has trained over 3.7 million people across 46 countries, striving to reach 4.5 million by the end of 2025. This global effort emphasizes community involvement and seeks to eradicate street harassment through collective action.

A Call for Action

L'Oréal Paris’s commitment to empowering women reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes. The brand's ongoing efforts highlight the urgent need for intervention and education about street harassment. The "Never Your Fault" campaign seeks not just to inform, but to inspire women to reclaim their public spaces, reinforcing the notion that they have every right to be there, unbothered and unashamed.

As the world grapples with the pervasive issue of street harassment, L'Oréal Paris stands at the forefront of change, reminding us all that empowerment begins with awareness and action. By fostering a community that supports women, we can build a society where harassment ceases to be normalized, and respect prevails in every corner.

To learn more about the Stand Up initiative and to receive training, visit Stand Up International. Empowerment starts with knowledge, and together we can strive for a world free from harassment.