As a Signatory partner of the Employer’s Domestic Abuse Covenant (EDAC), Accor understands the value of supporting women affected by domestic abuse and as part of their learning and development partnership Accor has launched a series of workshops and 121 mentoring for clients referred through the Covenant.
RiiSE uses mentoring, training, events to foster sharing and active initiatives in order to fight stereotypes and violence against women.
As part of Accor’s Riise programme, RIISE-UP has been developed in partnership with EDAC to offer support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse in the UK.
The program is mentored by Accor Northern Europe’s director of Learning and Development, Ravi Reid, and four leading female General Managers from London hotels; Cristina Cavaco; Karin Snoek; Raphaella Yver and Sharon Thandi.
In recognition of the challenges faced by victims and survivors of abuse and the impact Covid-19 has had on their employability options and support networks, the RIISE-UP will build strength-based skills that can make a lasting difference and help develop better mental health and positive minds.
The workshops have been developed to encourage self-discovery, acceptance and resilience and acknowledges the particular challenges inflicted by Covid-19 in addition to the incredible challenges faced by victims and survivors of abuse.
Accor’s Learning and Development Director, Ravi Reid said:” Accor’s approach to gender equality is a key priority for the Group and no woman should see her ambitions limited, obstructed or prevented from reaching their goals. To instil change, we are committed to develop concrete objectives that foster equality.”
Cristina Cavaco, General Manager at ibis Styles London Gloucester Rd, said: “This initiative is a great way to show how we can all play our part to create fair and inclusive opportunities that allow women to thrive and be empowered to live their best life even in the most challenging times. The program will be an incredible experience for mentors and mentees alike, providing shared opportunities to grow in a safe and empowering environment”.
Polly Harrar, Founding Member at EDAC UK, said: “The leadership demonstrated by Accor through the Covenant will have a sustainable impact on the lives and life choices of women affected by abuse and we look forward to working together to create a legacy for change that we can all be proud of.”
The Mentors
- Ravi Reid - Director of Learning and Development, Accor Northern Europe
- Cristina Cavaco – General Manager at ibis Styles London Gloucester Rd
- Karin Snoek – General Manager at ibis London Canning Town
- Raphaella Yver – General Manager at ibis London Shepherds Bush
- Sharon Thandi – General Manager at Novotel London Paddington