PPR's Pinault awards grants to promote women's rights

Francois-Henri Pinault, the second-generation chairman and CEO of the family-owned luxury group PPR, last night awarded three fellowship grants to social entrepreneurs through the company's Foundation for Women's Dignity and Rights.

Sakina M'Sa, Maria-Teresa Leal and Anne Roos-Weil were all chosen to receive the grants for their work either promoting women's empowerment or helping to fight violence against women. The winners will all receive a financial grant of ?15,000 along with business sponsorship and guidance from a PPR member of staff.

Pinault, who is chairman of the foundation, said: "Entrepreneurial spirit lies at the core of the group's DNA, and I am very pleased that PPR was the very first private company in France to award this type of grant.

"The PPR Foundation for Women's Dignity and Rights has decided to support the three winning projects, conducted under the leadership of women in favour of women, because they reconcile economic performance with social innovation and community outreach," he said.

The foundation was formed in 2008 and is part of PPR's wider work towards corporate social responsibility.

PPR owns many high-end, luxury brands including Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Sergio Rossi. The group was founded in 1963 by Francois-Henri's father, Francois Pinault, and had 2008 revenues of ?20.2 billion.

Picture: Pinault with the three winners

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