The Foundation is celebrating its second anniversary. What has it achieved, in your view?

The aim of the PPR Corporate Foundation, created in 2009, is to fight violence against women and support empowerment projects in favour of women. For me, as for our staff and customers, this theme is crucial, since women play a pivotal role in achieving a balance in domestic, economic, cultural, health and social terms. In a global context whereby one woman out of three has been beaten, subjected to sexual violence or other abuse during her life, it was important for our company to take concrete action. Therefore, in just two years, the Foundation has already supported over 30 projects in favour of 7,000 women in 24 countries. These partnerships - formed directly with NGOs -consolidate our philantropic initiatives, wherever the integrity or dignity of women is threatened.

Are the Foundation’s missions related to the Group's activities?

Yes! First and foremost, the PPR Foundation is completely in line with the Group’s overall corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Since 2008, our action in this field has focused on seven strategic challenges, including the joint commitment of brands. PPR chose the theme of women in relation to the Group's values as well as the Group’s profile and activities. In line with PPR’s entrepreneurial values, the Foundation issues awards, for instance, to social entrepreneurs; in 2010, three women received this award and have benefited from the professional sponsorship of employees. This initiative is very important in my view, since I believe in active philantropy, with a leveraging effect on the communities concerned: by helping an entrepreneur we are promoting employement opportunities for many more women, generating a virtuous circle of value creation in both human and economic terms.

What are the prospects for the coming years?

After two decisive years of partnership implementation, we must encourage staff involvement and the commitment of Group brands in this area. The signature this autumn of a charter with the 'Fédération Nationale Solidarité Femmes' (National Federation for women's solidarity) against domestic violence has already led to an awareness mailing to all staff in France. Other awareness initiatives will be implemented next year around the Plan campaign – Because I am a girl. New opportunities for involvement are also being considered.

What do you wish for the Foundation fir its second anniversary?

Ambitious projects and commited staff! We all have a role to play in advancing the cause of women. 

(Note: An activity report including a complete assessment of the Foundation’s operations is currently being produced)