Baby Dove Is Launching a Fund to Help Close the Gap in Care for Black Mothers
Dove has long been committed to standing for diversity and inclusion, and in the past few years has doubled down on its support of the Black community by cofounding the Crown Coalition to advance the Crown Act—legislation that makes hair discrimination in schools and the workplace illegal.
Earlier this month the brand released the My Hair, My Crown initiative, which consists of workshops to help children feel confident with their natural hair texture. And today, August 24, the brand has announced another: the Black Birth Equity Fund, an initiative intended to help close the gap in care for Black expectant mothers and their babies.
Per a press release, the fund will “provide immediate financial access to doula services for Black expecting mothers. The new fund forms part of long-term commitments the brand is making to advance superior care, with and for, Black moms in partnership with leading advocacy groups like Black Mamas Matter Alliance.” The brand is hoping to provide doulas for hundreds of expecting mothers, starting with a $250,000 pledge for grants. Long-term, 100% of the profits from a special gift set will go to the fund.
According to Dove, research shows that moms are two times less likely to experience birth complications with the help of a doula. Doula’s are also essential for helping mothers advocate for better care throughout and post their pregnancies—which is crucial considering Black women die due to pregnancy complications at rate of three to four times that of white women.
“We are glad that brands such as Baby Dove are joining the fight to address maternal inequities by supporting our work to advance Black maternal health and justice,” Angela D. Aina, the cofounding executive director of Black Mamas Alliance, tells Glamour. “Organizations like BMMA and many others have been pushing to bring these issues to the forefront for many years, so we are appreciative of the Black Birth Equity Fund to provide financial access to doulas, in addition to bringing greater visibility on these issues and the organizations working to address these problems in maternal health.”
In addition to its work with the Black Birth Equity Fund, Baby Dove is introducing the Baby Dove Melanin-Rich Skin and Curl Nourishment Collection, which is specifically developed for babies with melanin-rich skin and curly hair.
The action is part of the company’s new Positive Beauty Vision and Strategy, which hopes to “champion a new era of beauty that’s inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.” So far, it’s delivering. We can’t wait to see where the initiative goes next.
Bella Cacciatore is the beauty writer at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_.
Originally Appeared on Glamour
