Margot Franssen
Founder, The Body Shop Canada
Philosophy 1979
Margot Franssen founded The Body Shop Canada in 1980, creating a company recognized for its ethical business practices. In 2004 Margot sold her company and devoted herself to the advancement of women and girls. Her signature annual campaign to Stop Violence against Women raised over $1.3 million for prevention and recovery programs. A leading voice on the issues of social justice and women’s rights, Margot received the United Nations Grand Award for addressing an issue of vital concern to the UN and was their guest speaker at the World Conference of Women in Beijing. Margot holds two honorary degrees and in 2002 was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, Canada’s highest civilian honour.