S.tand Upget up and do something concrete against harassment on the street, on vehicles, in the gym, at work: this is the invitation of the colossus L’Oréal Paris but also of Eva Longoriaone of the most popular beauty ambassadors of the group.
Not just cosmetics, not just beauty: the project Stand Up promoted by L’Oréal is a training project that teaches how to defend oneself or intervene in the event of violence in public places through a short and effective path open to all, online. The actressproducer, director and mother of Santiago, 4 years old, he told us firsthand.
Which best voice, on the other hand, to invite not only women to learn how react if victimsor be helpful if you witness, in situations of danger and abuse?
Eva Longoria was one of the louder voices of the movement Time’s Up against harassment in the Hollywood world, he dared to tell him episodes of bullying suffered on the set of the TV series that made her famous, Desperate Housewives.
At his directorial debut in 2019 with 24/7complained about the lack of equality in film and directing and told how the situation for women afterwards Time’s Up “hasn’t changed that much“. Not only that, Longoria even has worked shoulder to shoulder with President Barack Obama to promote inclusion strategies for women and minorities in US society and politics.
Eva Longoria, face of the Stand Up L’Oréal Paris project against harassment
What can a woman do to feel more secure, protected and respected, in her opinion?
First of all be aware, bewarein every area of life. Get educated and informed. In general, the company should make a concrete commitment to remove the barriers between women and their ambitions, helping them to walk freely towards their destiny. And that also means being able to walk freely and in safety in every street, in every corner of the world.
What do you dislike most about the problem of harassment in public places?
Harassment on the street they occur everywhere, the numbers speak: even 84% on average of women around the world have experienced some form of harassment in public at least once in their lifetime. 76% happened to witness it. The worst aspect in my opinion is that the fact that take away from women the fundamental right to feel safe in public spaces. It is an invasion of their daily life. I hope, one day, that women and girls can walk safely to work on a university campus to catch a bus, without the risk of harassment.
We can all contribute to the goal of making public space safe for all girls and women, everywhere in the world. Indeed it is precisely for this reason that me soon as spokeperson for a very important project with L’Oréal Paris.
A project called Stand Up: can you tell us about it? Why is it so important for you to lend your image?
L’Oréal Paris gave the priority to women’s self-esteem for many years, long before it became “cool” to do so, and Stand Up it is a natural extension of the brand values. The project basically teaches people, women but also men, how to react safely if they are victims of harassment or witness violence on the street.
The training program get into practice to teach concretely how to deal with this kind of situation. And it’s ambitious: L’Oréal Paris wants to train 1.5 million people around the world.
Eva Longoria is the face of the Stand Up project by L’Oréal Paris
What do you think of this defense method based on 5 “D”?
Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, Direct: that is, Distracting, Supporting, Delegating, Documenting, Saying. It is an important sequence that teaches manage and react to situations of harassment, both by victims and by spectators, for example on public transport, and to help people to take a position in safety.
I did the training myself and it is simple, fast and accessible to all. For example, I understood that the “distract” phase is fundamental, distract the harasser: it really works in several situations. Anyone can learn how to use the best strategy depending on the situation on the site www.standup-Italy.com.
What does it mean for you to be “vulnerable” as a woman?
This is a very interesting question. “Vulnerable” means to be human, always free to be ourselves. I think society makes vulnerability seem like a flaw, but personally I see it just the opposite.
Will he ever discuss this issue with your child when he is older? How much do you think men’s education counts in this social issue?
Yes of course. Education is key. To educate men and women of all ages to respect women and knowing how to respond safely when witnessing various forms of violence can really help build a better world.
The 97% of those who participated in Stand Upaccording to L’Oréal data, it feels more prepared to intervene when witnessing harassment in a public place. The 20% are less afraid, 25% less anxiety. If you can start with a simple action like learning, teaching or spreading this method, it’s nice to start them all right away.
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