Global beauty brand L’Oréal Paris has officially launched the inaugural Women for Worth program across Australia and New Zealand, introducing a global grant initiative to recognise and fund leaders driving social change for women.

Applications are open until 31 December 2026, with four ANZ honourees selected to each receive a $32,000 grant, executive mentorship through the L’Oréal Paris network, and a national platform to scale their organisations.

Adapted from L’Oréal Paris USA’s long-standing Women of Worth initiative, the program turns the brand’s self-worth philosophy into targeted corporate philanthropy.

The program awards funding across four core societal challenges affecting women today: security, equal pay, financial independence, and access to employment. The honourees will be unveiled during International Women’s Month in March 2027.

L’Oréal Paris commissioned independent research highlighting that 86 per cent of Australian women believe female community contributions go unrecognised, while 67 per cent state that causes supporting women’s safety and freedom from harassment require urgent backing.

Additionally, 55 per cent identified a lack of financial resources as the primary barrier facing non-profit leaders.

L’Oréal Paris global president, Laetitia Toupet, outlined the corporate brand purpose driving the regional grant expansion.

“’I’m worth it’ is where women’s confidence starts.”

“Women for Worth is how we help it grow into real change.

“It’s how L’Oréal Paris puts its purpose into action: elevating the role of women in society, by supporting those who give women the confidence, and the means, to take their place and be who they want to be,” Toupet said. 

Plan International Australia CEO and jury chair, Susanne Legena, emphasised the necessity of providing direct capital to grassroots leaders.

“Eighty-six per cent of Australian women say their community contributions go unrecognised.”

“That statistic alone tells you why Women for Worth matters.

“At Plan International, we’ve spent decades learning that the people closest to a problem usually hold the best solutions, they just need the funding and platform to go further.

“That’s exactly what this program offers.

“I’m honoured to chair a jury that backs people already creating change, not just celebrates it,” Legena said. 

Category ambassadors and Matildas star, Mary Fowler, highlighted the specific sector impacts targeted by the program streams.

“Sport can create belonging, confidence and opportunity, particularly for young women and girls.”

“Women for Worth is a chance to recognise those who are using sport to open doors, challenge expectations and create positive change both on and off the field,” Fowler said.

Program Structure & Strategic Community Categories

The initiative operates across four dedicated streams designed to address distinct sectors of community leadership and advocacy:

• Women & Culture: Focuses on creative and cultural leaders utilizing storytelling, arts, and media to reshape societal perceptions and build female confidence.
• Women & Sport: Targets sports administrators, coaches, and grassroots advocates leveraging athletic participation to create opportunities and belonging for women and girls.
• Women & Tech: Supports female founders and innovators harnessing technology and STEM solutions to address complex social and economic challenges.
• Men for Worth: Recognises male advocates using their leadership and influence to actively challenge gender inequality and foster equitable environments.

Panel Leadership & Non-Profit Alignment

Delivered in partnership with humanitarian organisation Plan International Australia, the program is governed by an expert judging panel chaired by Plan International Australia Chief Executive Officer Susanne Legena. The panel features high-profile category ambassadors who will assist in evaluating entry submissions:

• Women & Culture Ambassador: Multi-award-winning actor, producer, and L’Oréal Paris brand partner Asher Keddie.
• Women & Sport Ambassador: Manchester City and Matildas football star and L’Oréal Paris ANZ Ambassador Mary Fowler.
• Women & Tech Ambassador: Andromeda Robotics Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Grace Brown.
• Men for Worth Ambassador: Gender equality advocate, educator, and L’Oréal Paris Stand Up Against Street Harassment partner Tarang Chawla.

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