A pioneering approach to preventing gun violence by empowering women and girls.

Operation LIPSTICK (Ladies Involved in Putting a Stop to Inner-City Killing) is a nationally recognized initiative that addresses one of the hidden drivers of gun violence: the trafficking of firearms through straw purchasing, where individuals illegally buy guns for people who cannot legally obtain them.

This program raises awareness about how women are recruited, pressured, or misled into straw purchasing or holding guns used in crimes. Through education, advocacy, and leadership development, LIPSTICK empowers women to disrupt these illegal pipelines and take a stand for safer communities.