(F)EMPOWERMENT

SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA TREND BULLETIN
(F)EMPOWERMENT
It’s time to support and empower women
in South & Central America
NOVEMBER 2015

You are losing women’s attention and
trust while missing out on their massive
buying power.
If your brand isn’t
communicating well
with women, your
brand is losing.
In recent months (OK, years), many brands across
South & Central America have caused controversy
and attracted the wrong kind of attention with sexist
advertising campaigns that have drawn widespread
criticism on social networks and in public forums.
For a long time, countries across the region – and
industries of all varieties – have been guilty of using
out-dated gender stereotypes or objectifying women to
sell products and services.
INTRODUCTION
(F)EMPOWERMENT 2www.trendwatching.com/trends/fempowerment

In March 2015, Brazilian nail lacquer brand
Risqué launched the Homens Que Amamos
(‘Men We Love’) line of products. They featured
names of men, accompanied by proud,
supposedly romantic phrases, such as ‘João
disse eu te amo’ (‘João said I love you’), ‘Fê
mandou mensagem’ (‘Fê sent a message’) and
‘André fez o jantar’ (‘André cooked dinner’).
“What makes a woman happy is not a man
who thinks making dinner is the exception,
but understand that this is his task as it is a
woman’s task”, from Petiscos, Julia Petit’s
blog from Brazil.

An advertising piece distributed by the
Colombian energy company Codensa in March
2015 angered its users on social networks. A
flyer distributed with household bills included
the phrase ‘I have to ask my husband what
insufficient funds means’, accompanied by
an image of a woman shopping. After much
controversy, the company removed all the ads
from the campaign.

In March 2014, following multiple complaints
(and a Change.org petition that attracted
more than 1,500 signatures), the Puerto Rican
government asked gum brand Dentyne Ice to
remove an ad campaign from all subway cars.
Showing a seated man, the ad read: ‘Do not
give up your chair. Offer your lap. Dentyne ICE:
Ready for every chance.’

Of course, when it comes to Latin America, beer
advertising is still the most consistent offender.
In February 2015, Brazilian beer brand Skol launched
an advertising campaign for Carnival with phrases
that mentioned a ‘lack of control’, such as ‘I accept
it before learning what the question is’ and ‘I left my
‘no’ at home’. After widespread media criticism and
a social media backlash, Skol removed the ads.
Conti beer were another offender, accused of sexism
after an ill-advised post on the brand’s Facebook
page. It read ‘tenho medo de ir no bar pedir uma
rodada e o garçom trazer minha ex’ (‘I’m afraid to
go to a bar and order a round of beer* in case the
waiter brings out my ex’), and ended with a request
for suspension and a warning to the agency that
conducted the campaign.
*in Portuguese, the expression used for “round of beer” is the
same as the one for “a woman who’s been around”

In Brazil, women make BRL 1.1 trillion per year and
are responsible for 85% of shopping decisions.
(Data Popular, September 2014)
In Mexico, women are graduating from college more
than men. The Asociación Nacional de Universidades
e Instituciones de Educación Superior (ANUIES)
revealed that the enrolment of women in graduate
programs is 50.4%, while among specializations
women make up 51%.
The participation of women in Latin America and
the Caribbean in the labor market had the largest
increase among all regions globally – increasing
from 40% to 54% between 1990 and 2013.
(UN, April 2015)
... as consumers, students, politicians,
entrepreneurs and more.
Yet women across the
region are becoming
more empowered...

This is not just about being ‘politically correct’. It’s
about effectively communicating with a very large
proportion of your customer base. Women are not a
market niche – if your brand is not talking to them
properly, you are losing money.
Beyond being bad for business (it has been
scientifically proven that sex doesn’t sell!), misogynist
messaging contributes to a more unequal and
dangerous society for women. It propagates a culture
that impacts the numbers of rapes, murders and
cases of domestic abuse – in Brazil, for example,
there’s one rape every 10 minutes (Anuário Brasileiro
de Segurança Pública, 2014).
To put it simply, out-dated brand messages cause
more harm than hurt feelings.
This means the gap between a modern
woman’s reality (or at least, desired
reality) in Latin America and how they
are portrayed in marketing is widening.
These socioeconomic
changes are yet to
be reflected in much
of the marketing that
reaches women.

Data Popular and Instituto Patrícia Galvão, August 2013
65% of women in Brazil don’t identify with the way
they’re represented in campaigns.

Maria Guimarães, co-founder of Cerveja Feminista
“When hypersexualized beer advertising objectifies a
woman so aggressively, it’s saying to people throughout
the country that a woman is an object. And an object has
an owner. The man is the owner. And, as owner of the
object, he can do whatever he wants with it.”

In Latin America, women are fighting
for equality in public and private life.
Brands that not only avoid harmful
stereotypes or objectification but
also actually support women’s
causes and better communicate
with modern women will be loved –
at the expense of those that don’t.
We’ve said before – brands across the region are
now expected to be part of the social tissue, to fight
the same fights people are engaged in as groups or
individuals. The fight for gender equality is one of these
issues (in South & Central America and, of course,
elsewhere in the world).
More and more, if a brand is not part of the solution,
it will be seen as part of the problem. It’s time to
break away from gender stereotypes, communicate
with women in the manner that they deserve and
empower them to live the lifestyle they desire.
DEFINITION

Women face different challenges from region to region.
But many share a passion for change, and inspire each
other across borders.
In June 2015, the “Ni Una Menos” campaign reached
110 cities in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Mexico,
as people protested against femicide. In Mexico,
#NoAcosoCallejero (‘no street harassment’) took to
social networks and the streets. In Puerto Rico, women
created the hashtag #andandolacallesola (‘walking
the streets alone’), in protest against comments by a
high-ranking police officer that women should not walk
alone late at night.
And in January 2015, the documentary used by
the Chega de Fiu Fiu campaign (against women
harassment on the streets) in Brazil was funded
using the crowdfunding platform Catarse. In July,
the country also saw the creation of Cora Coralina, a
public library focused on feminist subjects.
The digitally entwined population of the
world is sharing stories of repression and
(F)EMPOWERMENT, from India to Iran.
1. International
Sisterhood
WHY NOW

Latin America is the leader in women’s political
representation.
In political leadership, the region has Cristina Kirchner
in Argentina, Dilma Rousseff in Brazil and Michelle
Bachelet in Chile. In the NGO sector, there’s Relinda
Sosa from Peru and Sandra Ramos from Nicaragua.
In the world of business, María Mercedes Cuéllar is
president of Federación Latinoamericana de Bancos
(Felaban), Paula Santili is Senior Vice-President of
PepsiCo Mexico, and Luiza Trajano is CEO of Magazine
Luiza.
Across the board, women in SCA are doing it for
themselves. They can assume political power,
run NGOs and start their own businesses (and
crowdfunding platforms like Catarse, Idea.Me or
Fondeadora are making this easier than ever!).
Just one example of the rising power of SCA’s women?
According to the latest survey by the Ministry of
Economy on Entrepreneurship and Gender (March
2015), 38% of micro-entrepreneurs in Chile are female,
and 40% of those are heads of household.
Women are climbing higher into
positions of power.
2. FEMPRENEURS
and Role Models
WHY NOW

Social rules and traditions are being challenged or
ignored in many societies. Individuals are forming
their own singular definitions of what they seek
from their own lives. Formal entities (governments
or organizations) are less able to impose values or
expectations.
Success and status have been redefined in personal
terms. Consumers are less accepting of media
organizations or brands that dictate who they are
and how they should behave. From sexuality to career
choices, it’s up to the individual to decide.
Consumers no longer let institutions
dictate how they live their lives.
3. Institutional
Impotence
WHY NOW

As much as SCA’s women feel empowered, they’re
also looking to brands to be partners in change. That
means taking a BRAND STANDS on issues around
gender prejudice.
In March 2015, Cannes Festival introduced “The
Lion For Change” category, rewarding actions
that challenge gender stereotypes. Three out of 18
shortlisted winners were from Latin America. In Brazil,
interest is growing in new ways to portray women
in advertising. In August 2015, São Paulo-based
Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing (ESPM)
launched “Publicidade e Mulheres: um novo jeito de
fazer publicidade para mulher”, a course designed
to introduce marketing professionals to new ways to
advertise to women.
Years ago, marketing used weaknesses to try and sell
products and services to women. Today, brands must
offer empowerment.
Consumers will embrace brands that take
a stand on the issues that matter to them
– such as sexism.
4. BRAND STANDS
WHY NOW

1. BLOW THE WHISTLE
Denounce oppression and highlight
gender inequality
FEATURED INNOVATIONS

Avon/Instituto Patrícia Galvão, December 2014
The perception that there is sexism in Brazil is almost
unanimous among people aged between 16 and 24 years,
with 96% saying that it’s a problem within the country.

FEATURED INNOVATIONS: BLOW THE WHISTLE
Everlast
In November 2014, Everlast partnered with the Peruvian
NGO Paremos El Acoso Callejero (Latin American
Observatory Against Street Harassment) on Sílbale a tu
madre. The sports brand contacted the mothers of men
caught catcalling women on the streets. Mothers were
disguised with clothes and wigs, and taken to witness
their child’s behavior - whilst receiving phone tips from
Natália Málaga, the trainer of the Peruvian women’s
volleyball team. When their sons said something
derogatory, the mothers shouted at them, scolding them
for their treatment of women.
Campaign sees mothers scold catcallers

Nunca Más a Mi Lado
Unveiled in Argentina in June 2015, literary project
Nunca Más a mi Lado took a poetic approach to creating
awareness of and denouncing the violent abuse women
suffer across the country. The website includes around
120 real stories, all received anonymously and rewritten
(though still remaining true to the facts). They are
designed to expose the verbal, physical, psychological
and sexual abuses suffered by the characters in a deeper
literary style to resonate with readers.
Project uses literature to denounce violence
against women

Carefree/Johnson &
Johnson
Carefree, a Johnson & Johnson brand, revealed Desabafo
Entre Amigas in July 2015. The digital campaign
promoted conversations that made women feel more
confident; in 10 episodes aired on YouTube different
women discussed the insecurities of the female universe,
talking about beauty standards, self-esteem, sexism and
similar issues.
Brand’s website promotes conversations to
discuss women’s insecurities

Ramona
A day-long promotion implemented at the Ramona
restaurant in São Paulo in April 2015, The Unfair Menu
drew attention to the salary gap between men and
women. All menu items were 30% more expensive for
men – the average pay gap between the sexes across
Brazil. Diners who questioned the price difference
were presented with a leaflet explaining the action and
drawing attention to pay equality.
Brazilian restaurant highlights the pay gap
with higher prices for men

Instituto Maria da Penha
In July 2015, NGO Instituto Maria da Penha launched
Marcas Escondidas (‘Hidden Marks’), an interactive
campaign on YouTube using squares (to imitate post-its)
consisting of lies used to cover up injuries, signs of violence
that women have suffered. The campaign used annotations
with common excuses used by women to hide the truth
behind their injuries – for example, “I was distracted and hit
my head on the kitchen cabinet.” Once the clip’s annotation
is closed, the injury then becomes visible.
NGO’s interactive campaign denounces
domestic violence

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2. HOW TO TALK TO WOMEN
Forget the stereotypes.

Think Olga, August 2015
Intelligence is the main feature that Brazilians would
like to see advertising focus on when portraying women
(85.8%), followed by independence (72.3%).

Abraham Espinosa, Senior Strategic Planner at d expósito &
Partners NYC and blogger at urbanstalkers.com
“In Mexican advertising, women have been depicted as
objects (in beer campaigns and wearing bikinis) or in their
home role (as housewives). Now, they are starting to be
represented in their moments with friends, laughing about
guys, fighting for their dreams as individual rather than
with her family – it is a new sight. Smart and strong are
the new sexy.”

FEATURED INNOVATIONS: HOW TO TALK TO WOMEN
Las Cachás Grandes
In August 2015, to offer comfort to women who need
to breastfeed their babies, the Las Cachás Grandes
restaurant in Chile put a sign at the front of the
restaurant that read: “If you want to breastfeed your
baby, you don’t need permission. And request a free tea
if you like. No need to buy anything.”
Restaurant offers space for women to
breastfeed their babies for free

Budweiser
In July 2015, Budweiser chose Ronda Rousey as the
face of the brand in Brazil. Rousey, a UFC champion,
starred in a series of TV spots promoting an inspirational
message of resilience, strength and courage – proving
that a woman can advertise beer without being
objectified.
UFC fighter features in beer brand’s
advertising

Chirimbote
In August 2015, the Chilean publishing house Chirimbote
released Antiprincesas (‘Anti-princesses’): a collection
of books for kids. Each book depicts a Latin American
woman as the protagonist (like Frida Kahlo, Violeta Parra
and Juana Azurduy), with the aim of breaking down old
gender stereotypes that often feature in children’s books.
Chilean publisher launches
‘anti-princesses’ books

Avon
In July 2015, Avon launched Beleza Que Faz Sentido: a
campaign and website site that gathers content about
female empowerment. These include lists of words related
to the topic, as well as articles, videos and statistics about
gender equality.
In March 2015, Avon created the 180 Line – a make-up line
sharing its name with the number for the Violence Report
and Woman Service Center. The products were empty, a
move intending to show that violence can’t be covered-up.
A magazine (inspired by the traditional Avon Sales
publication), informed readers about types of domestic
violence, how the law protects the victims and punishes
the aggressors. The magazine was distributed by Avon
Representatives, women trusted by other women, who often
have access to homes that (in many instances) not even the
police can gain entry to.
Brand’s website and campaign promotes
female empowerment

Nayara Moia, Marketing Manager at Acaju do Brasil
“I’ve been an Avon consumer since an early age, and
campaigns like this inspire me to support a brand that
understands the environment in which it’s inserted. And
the opposite is also valuable: I’m much more likely to
boycott ‘risqué’, sexist nail polish campaigns and brands
that are completely unaware of consumers’ reality!”

Sephora
In September 2015, Sephora Brazil released a campaign
to promote a new collection of lipsticks with 83 different
shading options. The campaign featured the phrase:
‘Women get dressed to please men’, replaced below
with: ‘Do you think I got 83 lipsticks to please someone
who doesn’t know the difference between bordeaux and
burgundy?’
Brand’s campaign suggests women don’t
use cosmetics to please men

3. GET MAKING
Modern women demand products and services
that meet their modern needs and tastes

FEATURED INNOVATIONS: GET MAKING
M’Ana - Mulher Conserta
para Mulher
In August 2015, after being bullied by a man who was
carrying out work in her home, Ana Luisa Correard
created M’Ana – a home repair company dedicated to
carrying out services for women. She and her partner do
all kinds of home repairs, from painting walls to fixing
electrics.
Home repair company provides services
for women

Cerveja Feminista
In March 2015, a group of Brazil-based advertising
creatives launched a red ale called Cerveja Feminista
(‘Feminist Beer’). The label featured the symbol for
gender equality to encourage the advertising industry to
discuss how women are portrayed in beer advertising,
as well as the lack of female art directors in Brazil. The
women who created the label also founded an activism
group called 65|10 – a name inspired by two facts: 65%
of Brazilian women don’t feel like they’re represented
in ads, and 10% of creatives at advertising agencies in
Brazil are women.
Beer brand works triggers discussions
about sexism in beer campaigns

Nike
In Mexico City in August 2015, Nike launched a sports
club for women (exclusively for those who use the
brands’ app, Nike+). The space includes specialist bra
fittings, a health coach, footstep analysis and gym
sessions, with each woman encouraged to take set
challenges and goals, with guidance from experts.
Inspired by traditional art and painted by local artists, the
design celebrates the beauty and intensity of Mexican
females – images include Mexican athletes, such as
Paola Longoria (racquetball player), Nayeli Rangel
(soccer player), Jessamyn Saucedo (heptathlonist),
Alejandra Orozco and Paola Espinosa (both divers).
Sports brand creates a sports experience
for women

Minha Melhor Semana
Launched in May 2015, Minha Melhor Semana (‘My
Best Week’) is a Brazilian subscription club that
accompanies the menstrual cycle, supplying products
that women need for intimate care. A box, containing
all the resources needed for a woman’s period, is sent
before it begins, with members able to choose from
sanitary napkins to facial soaps. Each delivery is always
accompanied by wipes and chocolates.
Subscription club’s products help women
during their menstrual cycle

Ladies Rock Camp
July 2015 saw the first edition of Ladies Rock Camp: a
women’s empowerment program centred around music.
Taking place in the city of Sorocaba, Brazil, the event was
billed as an ‘adult’ version of Girls Rock Camp, a holiday
camp where girls learn to play instruments, create a
band and participate in activities related to self-esteem.
Attendees perform a song they composed to their
friends and family in the final day. Ladies Rock Camp,
open to women over 21 years old, has the same objective
as the children’s version: to encourage collaboration,
empower and promote self-esteem amongst women.
Event empowers women through music

NEXT
Women’s empowerment will impact the
consumption arena – and your brand too!

The power of local
NEXT
In Latin America, empowered women –
many working more and earning more
– don’t want to follow European or North
American standards. Instead they want to
reaffirm their own identity – and that means
tailoring products and services to their
particular needs.

Look to independents
NEXT
Many of the innovations featured in this
bulletin come from ‘independent groups’.
Brands seeking (F)EMPOWERMENT should
consider how they can leverage the creativity
and passions of these groups. Just make
sure you’re in it for the long haul.

More than beauty
NEXT
In recent years, we have seen many
campaigns encouraging women to accept of
their bodies or take care of the house without
a man whilst still being a diva (like the recent
Bombril campaign that created controversy
in Brazil). But now it’s time to take a step
forward. What other issues can your brand
address to empower women?

Humor vs. Sexism
NEXT
You don’t have to stop being playful. Avoiding
hurting people’s feelings doesn’t put an end
to fun messages – you just need to be more
creative. Are you up to the task? ;)

Open range
NEXT
This is about giving women CHOICE – the
choice to be who they want to be, whatever
that is. It’s time for brands to offer women
(and consumers in general) more options
instead of forcing them to fit a certain type.
More and more, consumers expect brands
to help or enable them – food for thought in
your next planning session.

Ana Laura Ramírez Ramos, from La Cabaretiza A.C.
“We applaud campaigns that portray attitudes that
might not be mainstream, labelling them as ‘different’.
For example: an image of a man that washes dishes and
sings melodies mostly linked to women. This, and other
campaigns that portray attitudes that might not be
conventional, are considered as ‘extraordinary’”

It’s over to you!
How are women represented in your brand’s
communications? Which products can you
create to meet the needs of the empowered
woman? How will you contribute to gender
equality? Take this trend for a brainstorming
session in your company and create your
own trend-driven innovations that will delight
Latin Americans!

If you have any comments, suggestions
or questions then please do let us know.
Just email:
PAUL BACKMAN
Chief Client Officer
paul@trendwatching.com
About us
Established in 2002, trendwatching.com
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business ideas. Our Premium Service counts
many of the world’s leading brands as
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