GODIVA has launched the Lady GODIVA Initiative, a program designed to support charitable organizations that empower women around the world. 

The Lady GODIVA Initiative pays tribute to the legend of Lady GODIVA by asking its chocolatiers to nominate their favorite charitable organizations that embody the spirit of this heroine. Through this organic strategy, GODIVA plans to identify organizations that are in the greatest need of corporate support. 

Nearly 1,000 years ago, noblewoman Lady GODIVA is said to have protested the unfair taxation of her citizens by riding through the streets of Coventry, England naked on horseback. She stood up for what she believed in and gave a voice to the voiceless. Lady GODIVA is more than the inspiration behind the brand's name and more than its delicious chocolate; she is the embodiment of using a position of power to do good.

From the nominated nonprofits, GODIVA will select five organizations, one in the U.S., Canada, Belgium, England and China, that will each receive a $25,000 grant to continue their work to empower women.

"At GODIVA, we aim to bring the spirit and values of Lady GODIVA to life through our company culture and the way we do business every single day," said GODIVA CEO Annie Young-Scrivner. "We are honored to launch The Lady Godiva Initiative to recognize and reward charitable organizations across the globe that are changing women's lives for the better and making the world a more wonderful place."