These are just the first actions we’re taking, with more to come:
Legislative advocacy
- Continuing support of the CROWN Act in the US, advocating for the Senate to outlaw race-based hair discrimination following the House of Representatives passing the federal bill
- Evaluating additional bills that address the systemic racism and discrimination disproportionately affecting Black lives
Societal change
- Developing & implementing an unconscious bias training program to help eliminate appearance-based biases in workplaces and in schools
2. Funding and programs to empower the next generation
Dove is creating the new CROWN Fund in the US and pledging $5M of ongoing support to drive change in an effort to eliminate systemic racism and discrimination that disproportionately impacts Black lives. We'll work with existing organizations and create new programs that support the Black community, especially women and girls. We’ll also continue evolving the Dove Self-Esteem Project. Through educational parent, teacher and mentor resources, the project has helped build body confidence and self-esteem for over 60 million young people so far, and now it will explicitly address racial justice and racial equity in the next generation.
Just a few of the organizations we’re working with:
3. Shattering stereotypes and amplifying Black voices
We'll continue to increase the inclusive and authentic representation of Black people, both on our platforms and others. The world needs to see and hear from Black leaders, creators, and influential voices. And we have a responsibility to make sure they are seen and heard.
- We will continue amplifying Black voices on our social channels, including a new monthly Instagram takeover series on @dove
- We will continue shattering beauty stereotypes in media with Project #ShowUs, in partnership with Getty images and Girlgaze. #ShowUs is the largest stock photo collection created entirely by women and non-binary individuals. We will focus on increasing the representation of Black women, defining their beauty on their own terms
- We will increase the representation of Black voices both in front of and behind the camera. We will commit at least 25% of our US influencer budget towards Black content creators
Every year in June, we will conduct a review to track our progress against these metrics, for all of our initiatives.
4. Additionally, as part of the Unilever family…
We continue to be committed to building an inclusive workforce that fully reflects the diverse communities we serve. We are part of the Unilever family, and on the Unilever Leadership Team 42% identify as people of color and 17% percent identify as Black. This includes Terry Thomas, Chief Customer Officer for US, and EVP and COO of Beauty and Personal Care, Esi Eggleston Bracey, who leads the Dove business in North America. Of our Unilever US corporate employees, 30% identify as people of color and 8% percent identify as Black. More than 50% identify as women. However, we know there is more to be done. We are committed to:
- Building a more diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve
- Adding our voice and influence to advocate for safe and fair access to voting this November
- Upholding a zero-tolerance policy on intolerance, both among our Unilever employees and suppliers, customers and partners that work with us
- Increasing our support of, investment and work with diverse suppliers
- Donating over $1M to activists and organizations including Black Lives Matter, National Urban League, The Bail Project and National Bail Fund Network
We are committed to Creating a Respectful and Open World with NO RACISM. Please join us.
