The Lady GODIVA Initiative
More than 1,000 years ago, Lady Godiva embarked on her legendary equestrian mission and led the way to empower the people of her community. In doing so, she paved a path that GODIVA continues to walk today – a path that leads to a world where we are all appreciated and valued for our inherent worth.
To honor this legacy, GODIVA is dedicated towards empowering women and female entrepreneurs around the world through The Lady GODIVA Initiative. As part of this commitment, we recognize and rewardnon-government organizations (NGOs) and non-profits doing innovative and meaningful work in their communities to create equality for women.
Each year, GODIVA awards a select group of organizations around the globe that are working to empower women. Each organization will receive a monetary grant to assist in furthering their inspirational work as well as the priceless gift of the global visibility and engagement of our global GODIVA community.
After an initial vetting process by the Social Impact Team, GODIVA’s chocolatiers (employees) cast their vote to help choose which organizations will be selected as honorees.We take great pride in this being an employee driven program as we strive to spread joy and create a positive impact through individual and community actions.
At GODIVA, we are dedicated to fostering a culture that champions diversity, equity and inclusion and promises to open people’s eyes to a more wonderful world. The Lady GODIVA Initiative is an important component of this commitment as we seek to build a better tomorrow.
2022 Honorees of The Lady GODIVA Initiative
WOMENPRENEUR
Womenpreneur is a leading women’s empowerment organization serving underserved women globally. Womenpreneur works across Europe and the MENA region to lift women out of economic instability through career opportunities in tech and entrepreneurship. It started out as a program supporting 10 women in 2016 and has grown to over 16,000 women across Belgium and beyond.
CANADIAN WOMEN'S FOUNDATION
The Canadian Women’s Foundation is a national leader in the movement for gender equality in Canada. Through funding, research, advocacy, and knowledge sharing, they work to achieve systemic change. They support women, girls, and gender-diverse people to move out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence and leadership. Together, they build a gender equal Canada by:
• Transforming Lives with programs that help women, girls, and gender-diverse people move out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence and leadership.
• Improving Communities by strengthening the organizations and the groups that help those who need it most.
• Changing Systems by challenging biases, building awareness, and advocating for policies and practices that make life better for everyone impacted by gender injustice.
ALLIANCE FOR AFRICAN WOMEN INITIATIVE
Alliance for African Women Initiative (AFAWI) is a grassroots organization that supports, uplifts and empowers women and children in our communities in Ghana. AFAWI is committed to building the capacities of marginalized individuals in Ghana. Their advocacy builds sustainable outcomes and they train community members to take control of their own development and to pass on their skills and expertise to peers.
YOUNG WOMEN'S TRUST
Young Women's Trust supports and represents women aged 18 to 30 trapped by low or no pay and facing a lifetime of poverty. Young women are at the center of the charity’s work: leading, designing and participating. Young Women’s Trust’s core mission – achieving financial justice for young women through equal economic and employment opportunities – has never been more important, as young women come out of a pandemic into the cost of living crisis and face a 22% gap in their annual income compared to young men.
STEP UP
Success is subjective. No one destination fits all – so why would one path fit all? At Step Up, they believe girls deserve to define and pursue success on their terms. By bringing girls together in inspired spaces – on and offline – we spark exploration and discussion of what’s possible. With structured support and access to a strong community, they guide girls towards their unique goals: first, by identifying those goals and then, in building the roadmap to get there. Whether there is college, an internship, a network, or simply confidence – they’re there for it and there for girls.The Mission- Through structured programs, focused support, and inspiring connections, Step Up helps girls define and achieve their unique visions of success.
