Luxury beauty brand Elizabeth Arden has announced the continuation of its longstanding relationship with Sparrow Society, a South African non-profit organisation which champions gender advocacy, strategic economic empowerment, and support for survivors of gender-based violence.

The partnership between Elizabeth Arden and Sparrow Society employs women from underprivileged South African communities in a safe work environment, producing the beauty brand’s hand-crafted cosmetics bags, and allowing the women to support their families.

To date, the now eight-year partnership has produced over one million bags, creating job opportunities for over 200 women, 95 of whom have been supported in setting up home-based sewing businesses, and nine of whom are survivors of human trafficking.

“We are thrilled to continue our support of this incredible organisation,” noted Martine Williamson, Chief Marketing Officer at Revlon, Elizabeth Arden’s parent company. “As a brand that was founded by an inspiring female entrepreneur, Elizabeth Arden is proud to be impacting women’s lives meaningfully and supporting their path to economic stability through our relationship with Sparrow Society,” added Williamson.

The Arden business was established by Canadian-American businesswoman Elizabeth Arden over a century ago and the luxury brand says its continued collaboration with Sparrow Society exemplifies an adherence to her values of entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation in the beauty industry.

“Elizabeth Arden gift-with-purchase bags are so much more than just free gifts – they are changing people’s lives,” commented Kate Brim-Senekal, Founder and Managing Director of Sparrow Society.

Brim-Senekal added: “They are giving women in South Africa the opportunity to build a better future for themselves through creating something beautiful. For Elizabeth Arden consumers, to be able to hold something like that in your hand – a bag that carries such an impact – is extraordinary.”

“Elizabeth Arden has always fought for women’s rights and independence,” added Céline Moittié, Elizabeth Arden Marketing Director EUTR, adding, “With this gift-with-purchase campaign our company values and heritage remain once again at the core of all activations we create, staying true to our mission and commitment to supporting women across the world”.

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