Pantene: It’s Time to Re-Think How Often We Say “Sorry”

Launches “Not Sorry” Video and Announces Global Shine Strong Fund to Celebrate Strong Women and Enable Women to Overcome Biases

Pantene’s latest video titled “Not Sorry” is designed to spark a dialogue about how women unknowingly minimize their strength with the subtle, yet powerful behavior of unnecessarily saying ‘sorry,’ when there is no reason to apologize. (Photo: Business Wire)

CINCINNATI--()--Today, Pantene (NYSE: PG) evolves its global Shine Strong campaign with the launch of the global Shine Strong Fund and a new thought-provoking video that tackles a common but unconscious behavior many women engage in everyday: over-apologizing.

Pantene’s Shine Strong campaign first took shape in December 2013 following the worldwide success of a viral video titled “Labels,” originating from the Philippines, depicting gender labels in the workplace (more than 46MM YouTube views to date). Pantene’s latest video titled “Not Sorry” is designed to spark a dialogue about how women unknowingly minimize their strength with the subtle, yet powerful behavior of unnecessarily saying ‘sorry,’ when there is no reason to apologize.

“Pantene is committed to helping women across the globe be strong and shine both inside and out,” said Colleen Jay, President, P&G Global Hair Care & Color. “We are certain this evolution of the Shine Strong campaign and roll-out of the global Shine Strong Fund will inspire action and change. We believe the message of the “Not Sorry” video will resonate with women, encouraging them to be more aware of this diminishing behavior and, in turn, prevent any bias they may be unconsciously creating.”

The Pantene Shine Strong Fund:
The overwhelmingly positive response to the Shine Strong campaign inspired Pantene to continue the conversation, ignite change and help more women in more ways through the creation of a new global Shine Strong Fund. The mission of the Shine Strong Fund is to educate and enable women to overcome bias and/or societal expectations so they may reach their full potential, as well as celebrate the many strong women in the world who exemplify the essence of Shine Strong.

In the U.S., Pantene’s Shine Strong Fund will kick-off with a collaboration with the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a top-rated charity that has been empowering women on campus and in the work-place since 1881. The fund will underwrite monetary grants and give access to influential leaders to enable women to be strong and shine, whether on college campuses, in the workplace or in the community.

“Pantene’s commitment to raising awareness about unconscious bias and stereotypes is a perfect link with AAUW’s core mission,” said AAUW Executive Director and CEO Linda D. Hallman, CAE. “We look forward to further exploring these important topics and seeing how our student members bring the conversations to life within campuses and communities across the country.”

In the U.S., the Pantene Shine Strong Fund will provide women with resources in several areas:

  • College Grants Program: Beginning in August 2014, students will apply for the AAUW and Pantene Shine Strong Campus Action Project (CAP) grant program. The program is designed to challenge women student leaders on college campuses throughout the country to initiate change and tackle harmful gender biases and stereotypes that permeate our culture. Grants will be awarded spring in the semester and Grantees will present their work at AAUW and NASPA’s National Conference for College Women Student Leaders in June 2015.
  • Professional Training Programs: Pantene will provide professional women with various tools and resources for bias awareness and prevention, including a monthly web chat series, hosted by female leaders from across several industries, to help them succeed in the workplace.
  • Giving Back in the Community: The Pantene Beautiful Lengths program is one way the brand will connect with women in the community. Pantene provides free, real-hair wigs to women undergoing cancer treatment to help them feel and look like themselves and overcome some of the biases associated with cancer.

More details about the Shine Strong campaign can be found at www.pantene.com/shinestrong.

ABOUT PANTENE® PRO-V:
The Pantene® Pro-V line includes 21 collections that help provide all women with healthy, beautiful hair. The current Pantene® Pro-V offerings include: Expert Collection Advanced+ Keratin Repair, Expert Collection AgeDefy, Anti-Breakage, Aqua Light, Beautiful Lengths, Classic Care, Color Preserve, Curly Hair Series, Daily Moisture Renewal, Everlasting Ends, Expressions, Heat Shield, Ice Shine, Nature Fusion, Repair & Protect, Smooth, Stylers, Volume, Truly Natural, Truly Relaxed, and Ultimate 10. Pantene Pro-V technologies advance with the help of the Pantene Hair Research Institute (PHRI). The Institute, established in 2012, is the modern incarnation of Pantene’s commitment to partnering with leading hair health experts by joining 12 leading independent hair scientists with 7 senior P&G scientists to further what is possible in healthy hair care.

Pantene products are available nationwide at drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers. Pricing is at the sole discretion of the retailer. Suggested retail prices for products range from $3.99 to $18.99 each.

About AAUW:
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Our nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university partners. Since AAUW’s founding in 1881, our members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. Learn more and join us at www.aauw.org.

Contacts

Procter & Gamble, Pantene
Cheri McMaster, 513-983-8466
Sr. Manager, Communications
mcmaster.ca@pg.com
or
DeVries Global
Wendy Rokose/Marcela Bequillard
212-546-8583/212-546-8505
wrokose@devriesglobal.com/mbequillard@devriesglobal.com

Release Summary

Today, Pantene evolves its global Shine Strong campaign with the launch of the global Shine Strong Fund and a new thought-provoking video that tackles over-apologizing.

Contacts

Procter & Gamble, Pantene
Cheri McMaster, 513-983-8466
Sr. Manager, Communications
mcmaster.ca@pg.com
or
DeVries Global
Wendy Rokose/Marcela Bequillard
212-546-8583/212-546-8505
wrokose@devriesglobal.com/mbequillard@devriesglobal.com