Hogan Lovells raises bar for corporate social responsibility

Global law firm, Hogan Lovells has announced the completion of the second year of its shared value partnership with leading social enterprise, Barefoot College.
 
The global partnership, launched in 2016, is a key part of Hogan Lovells’ commitment to empowering girls and women and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
 
The firm has continued to help Barefoot College to improve lives by empowering women in rural communities in the world’s most remote locations, training women – known as solar mamas – in 35 countries to become solar engineers and bringing light to 200,000 homes.
 
Among the achieved goals for Barefoot College, it has raised about $400,000 globally in donations from Hogan Lovells people, provided over 1,300 hours of pro bono advice to open four new solar training centres in Africa and to educate solar mamas on human rights and enabled and supported Barefoot to train over 384 solar mamas from 35 countries.
 
Managing Partner of Hogan Lovells in the UK and Africa, Susan Bright said: “We are immensely proud of the life-changing results we have achieved together so far.  We’re particularly pleased with the warm reception of Flip the Switch, the documentary designed to raise awareness about Barefoot’s mission and to inspire private sector action towards achieving the SDGs. Our relationship with Barefoot College is a core part of our commitment to Empowering Girls and Women and is an example of what is possible through cross-sector collaboration.”

CEO of Barefoot College International, Meagan Fallone added: ‘’Sustainability has become increasingly important for business and is imperative if we are to deliver the UN SDGs. It is a pleasure to collaborate with Hogan Lovells to drive social change.’’
 
Since its foundation in 1972, Barefoot College has worked to educate the marginalised, exploited, and impoverished rural poor, lifting them over the poverty line with dignity and self-respect. Through its projects in over 100 countries, Barefoot has brought renewable electricity, clean water, and long-term working opportunities to millions of people. 
 
To date, Hogan Lovells has provided Barefoot College with expansion, intellectual property, corporate and tax advice on a pro bono basis, as well as volunteer and financial contributions.