Christian Dior Parfums is extending its long-term partnership with ambassador Charlize Theron and her organization, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), ahead of International Women’s Day. The collaboration aims to empower young women and support vulnerable communities in South Africa. “United by a shared commitment to women’s empowerment and quality of opportunity, the partnership supports young women as key drivers of lasting social change,” Dior said. Dior has backed CTAOP since 2021, focusing on improving the health, safety, and future prospects of South African youths. Through the partnership, the company invests in local programs that foster leadership, autonomy, and sustainable progress at the community level. Véronique Courtois, president and CEO of Christian Dior Parfums, highlighted the importance of female support networks. “Strong female friendships have supported me every step of the way. I’m a great believer in sisterhood,” she said. Charlize Theron emphasized her commitment to giving back to her home country. “We work with female leaders who bring communities together the way you would a family. That’s something I feel is very unique to women,” she said. Theron noted her long association with Dior has grown alongside her work with CTAOP, creating opportunities to channel resources to impactful projects. A central initiative of the partnership is the Youth Leaders Scholarship Program, which Dior has supported since 2021. The program offers scholarships to 20 young people from underprivileged backgrounds. Students pursue studies in fields such as education, health sciences, business, gender advocacy, film, and media. Some scholarships are funded directly by Dior. Cécile Lochard, Dior’s sustainability director, said, “We want to build on the Youth Leadership Program, supporting young female leaders while extending our support to the action spearheaded by Lucinda Evans, recognizing these women as true agents of change.” Evans is a South African women’s rights activist and founder of the safe-space initiative Philisa Abafazi Bethu (PAB), also known as “Heal Our Women.” CTAOP’s executive director, Ashlee George, stressed the importance of lasting impact. “CTAOP is about the work being done today, right here and now, by program partners in the communities and the scholars who will continue this work,” she said. “We want to be catalysts for change, ensuring progress for years to come.” Theron reflected on the meaning of International Women’s Day. “Life is never easy, and we all face struggles,” she said. “Nothing has to define you that you don’t want to define you. Women should be honored with the agency to decide who they want to be and what they want to achieve. We see you, we hear you, and we will stick together.” The extended partnership strengthens Dior’s commitment to equality and women’s autonomy, marking another milestone in the brand’s ongoing support of CTAOP’s initiatives. It also ensures that young women in South Africa continue to receive the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to drive positive social change.