The Lady Godiva Initiative honours five NGOs for empowering women

The Lady Godiva Initiative recognizes five nonprofits for their contributions to female empowerment. Godiva is giving these individual awards to NGOs and nonprofits based in five of Godiva’s global markets – US, Canada, UK, Belgium and China.

The 2021 recipients include Hot Bread Kitchen (US), Up With Women (Canada), #SheDIDIT (Belgium), China Women’s Development Foundation (China) and AVA: Against Violence and Abuse (UK).

Whether supporting women through transformative careers in food, building a sustainable pathway out of poverty or helping to eliminate gender-based violence and abuse, these organizations are being recognized and rewarded by Godiva for their work to both empower women and positively impact their local communities.

“Godiva’s commitment to supporting both local and global communities, and fostering a culture that champions diversity, equity and inclusion, is at the heart of our brand,” said Nurtac Ziyal Afridi, Godiva’s CEO. “We are honoured to support these inspirational organizations that are taking important steps to empower women around the world. Our employees selected these recipients based on the noble efforts each organization has taken to improve the lives of women in their communities. They deserve to be recognized and acclaimed for their valuable contributions to society.”

Up With Women is a national Canadian charity with a mission to help recently homeless and at-risk women build a sustainable pathway out of poverty. The goal of their proven program is to positively impact more than 1,000 lives over the next three years. They serve women in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec.

“Up With Women is thrilled to be partnering with Godiva for our national program delivery,” said Lia Grimanis, CEO, Up With Women. “This support will help ensure we deliver quality services to over 300 women and gender minorities across the country, helping them to quickly and sustainably exit poverty. “