As Ecorazzi previously reported, Reese Witherspoon was recently knighted Avon’s “Global Ambassador” to help the cosmetic company promote their work with breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency relief initiatives. 

This week Reese made a trip to Japan to celebrate Avon’s partnership with the United Nations Development Fund and to introduce the “Women’s Empowerment Bracelet.”  Can we pause for a second? Does anyone else think that the name “Women’s Empowerment Bracelet” sound like a magical piece of jewelry that maybe either lights up or does something real fancy in times of crisis to give women extra super powers — say like while walking through a dark ally or something? No? Well it does to me. Anyway, going on…

Reese got the chance to attend a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony and meet with a few female breast cancer survivors. She said: “As Avon’s Global Ambassador, I’m honored to have this opportunity to meet with such extraordinary women, and experience a highlight of Japanese culture. While their courage is inspiring, I was saddened to hear that only about 12% of women in Japan receive regular breast cancer screening. The lack of testing equipment and breast cancer experts in Japan means that many women here do not have access to the medical technology and care that is critical to diagnose and fight this deadly disease.” Yowzers! 12 percent? Really?!!

All proceeds from the bracelet sales will be used to create a new Avon Empowerment Fund. The first $500,000 from bracelet sales will be matched by the Avon Foundation for a total donation of $1 million to UNIFEM, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, for projects that will empower women. So run, walk or skip over to shop.avon.com and get yourself one of those fancy schmancy bracelets. Sure, maybe it won’t light up or give you super powers, but it will help fund projects that empower women…and that’s even cooler. 

thanks: justjared.com