Empowering Women
The story of L'OCCITANE and the women shea butter producers of Burkina Faso began in the 1980s. Since then, we've built up a joint development partnership and a close, supportive relationship. There were about a dozen women at first. Now there are over 10,000! And since 2009, our shea butter supply chain has been 100% Fair Trade (Fair Trade certified according to the Fair for Life standard available at www.fairforlife.org).
Did You Know?
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In Burkina Faso
shea butter is known as "women’s gold"
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Women in Burkina Faso
are the pillars of society and play a key role in the country's economic and social development.
OUR COMMITMENT
Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world. By supporting and empowering Burkinabe women, we can help lift them out of poverty.
Since the 1980s, L'OCCITANE has been promoting sustainable partnerships with women producers of shea butter. To further extend this commitment, the L'OCCITANE Foundation empowers women in Burkina Faso. Since its creation in 2006, more than 26,000 women have received support in developing and strengthening their activities in Burkina Faso.
Our Mission as a Brand
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OUR AIM:
Thanks to the programmes implemented by the L'OCCITANE Foundation, we have supported 42,600 women in Burkina Faso by promoting their entrepreneurship and empowerment, exceeding our 2020 goal. Our new goal is to support 60,000women by 2025.
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TWO WAYS TO DO THIS:
- Trade fairly together
- Reinforce women’s leadership together
MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO WOMEN'S LIVES
By earning their own income and developing their activities, the women shea butter producers in Burkina Faso are able to improve their social status. They can contribute more to household expenses and help to pay for their children's education. The whole family benefits!
ENCOURAGING WOMEN TO UNLEASH THEIR POTENTIAL
We need more women entrepreneurs! That's why the L'OCCITANE Foundation has joined forces with the NGO"Entrepreneurs du Monde"to help women develop economic initiatives and generate additional incomes. And through our "L'OCCITANE pour Elles" competition, we've helped four determined winners to pursue their business dreams.
Shea Butter Ingredient
Shea trees dot the landscape in Burkina Faso. To protect their skin from the harsh conditions, women have used shea butter for generations. Here, it is known as the gold of Burkina Faso.
