AVON UNVEILS "WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT RING" IN LATEST EFFORT TO ADDRESS GLOBAL CRISIS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Avon Global Ambassador Reese Witherspoon & Avon Chairman and CEO Andrea Jung Announce Next Phase of Multi-Year Global Fundraising Efforts

Washington, DC (March 10, 2009)- Avon Products, Inc. today announced new fundraising efforts in their multi-year crusade to end violence against women. Avon Global Ambassador Reese Witherspoon, together with Avon Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Jung, unveiled a new global fundraising product - The Women's Empowerment Ring - at the Opening Session of the "Global Partnership to End Violence Against Women," hosted by Vital Voices, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State with support from Avon Products, Inc., and The Avon Foundation for Women.

The event is part of a 3-day conference that will look for new innovative solutions to address the global pandemic of violence against women. The conference convenes and provides funding for 15 country delegations consisting of delegates from diverse sectors -- business, government, law enforcement, the NGO community, media/entertainment, academia, and others - who will work together to develop country-specific, culturally-sensitive solutions for dealing with violence against women within their home countries.

"Approximately one in three women globally is likely to experience some type of violence in her lifetime. It's a sad fact, and I believe we all have an obligation to address this vitally important issue, one of the most prevalent yet underfunded problems in the world." said Reese Witherspoon. "Purchasing the Women's Empowerment Ring is a great way for everyone to participate. 100% of the net profits go to support programs aimed at ending this terrible epidemic, and making women everywhere safe."

For over 120 years, Avon has provided women with economic opportunity while serving as a change agent for critical issues that face women around the world. The Avon Foundation for Women launched Speak Out Against Domestic Violence in 2004 to provide funding to domestic violence organizations for awareness, education, prevention programs and direct services for victims. Since then, Avon global philanthropy has committed more than $16 million to end violence against women, including $8 million coming from the global sales of the Avon Empowerment bracelet and necklace, launched in 2008 and 2009, respectively. The new Empowerment Ring continues Avon's ongoing commitment to raise awareness and mobilize women and men to speak out against the violence that impacts millions of women around the world, stunting economic growth at the cost of trillions per year in US dollars.

"Avon's determination to be part of the solution to ending violence against women stems from our founding commitment to offer women the opportunity to earn money outside the home --- 34 years before they won the right to vote. We have seen first hand the impact that economic empowerment can have on the safety and security of families across the globe," says Andrea Jung. "We applaud the efforts of our Representatives around the world who have sold the Women's Empowerment products. There is no greater way to fundraise and spread the message of awareness than through this woman-to-woman network."

The Women's Empowerment Ring, accessibly priced at $5.00, will be sold through Avon Representatives in over 45 countries and on www.avon.com, with 100% of net profits ($3.80 for each ring sold) going to support domestic violence programs. In the US, every Women's Empowerment product sold will include a free Domestic Violence Resource Guide to increase awareness, provide helpful information and resources, and encourage everyone to speak out to end this epidemic of violence against women.

About Reese Witherspoon, Avon Global Ambassador 
As Avon's Global Ambassador and Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation for Women, Reese Witherspoon focuses on breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency relief initiatives, and is also the spokeswoman for Avon's beauty brands and Sales Representatives.

Avon Products, Inc.
Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with over $10 billion in annual revenue. As the world's largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through approximately 6.2 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon's product line includes beauty products, as well as fashion and home products, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and Mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at http://www.avoncompany.com/.

Avon Foundation for Women 
The Avon Foundation for Women is the world's largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on women's issues. Since it was founded in 1955, the Avon Foundation has been committed to the mission to improve the lives of women and their families. Now past the half century milestone, the Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that brings this mission to life through two key areas of focus: breast cancer and domestic violence. Through 2009, Avon global philanthropy has donated more than $725 million in over 50 countries for causes most important to women.

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