The L’Oréal Corporate Foundation

The "For Women in Science" programme was set up in 1998 by L’Oréal, in partnership with UNESCO, with one aim in mind: to ensure that women achieve equal representation with men in all scientific disciplines, so that research benefits from women's intelligence, creativity and drive. 28% of researchers worldwide are women(1). Yet, the world needs science and science needs women, because women in science have the power to change the world.

This year the programme has taken another major step forward in raising its profile and engaging more strongly with the public. On 24 March, the L'Oréal Corporate Foundation and UNESCO launched a campaign to encourage the scientific community, institutions and the public to sign the Manifesto for Women in Science. Some 90,000 people have signed the manifesto and joined the "For Women in Science" community.

Because beauty can help people feel better and improve their lives, the L'Oréal Corporate Foundation develops and promotes programmes to help people, especially women, in difficult situations. Women are helped to regain their dignity, humanity and femininity and re-engage with society, thanks to medical and social care focusing on beauty and well-being, and to free make-up and hairdressing training programmes. In 2016, some 3,300 people in situations of social and economic instability benefited from the programme in 25 countries. In China, close to 1,000 women completed make-up training in Chongqing Province.

In February, the first-ever Maison Rose opened its doors in Bordeaux, in France, thanks to support from the L'Oréal Corporate Foundation. Based on a concept invented with women fighting cancer, the house provides them with a space that fosters a sense of well-being. A range of activities are available to help women feel better during and after treatment: beauty advice and care from a specially trained socio-aesthetician, cooking with a dietician and experienced chefs, sport, and lessons in fields such as sophrology, meditation and the creative arts.