Empowering Women
The story of L’Occitane en Provence and the women producing shea butter in West Africa began in the 1980s. Since then, we have built long-term partnerships based on mutual support and development. What started with just a handful of women has grown into a network of more than 40,000 women today. Since 2009, our shea butter supply chain has been 100% Fair Trade certified.
Learn more at www.fairforlife.org.
DID YOU KNOW THAT...
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SHEA BUTTER IS CALLED "WOMEN'S GOLD" IN BURKINA FASO
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WOMEN PLAY A KEY ROLE IN THE COUNTRY'S DEVELOPMENT
For women's future in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is one of the world's poorest countries. By supporting women and creating opportunities, we help combat poverty and promote greater independence. Since the 1980s, L’Occitane en Provence has built sustainable partnerships with women shea butter producers. To further strengthen this commitment, the L’Occitane Foundation supports initiatives that empower women entrepreneurs. Since its creation in 2006, more than 26,000 women have received support to help grow and develop their businesses.
OUR AMBITION
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OUR GOAL:
Thanks to the initiatives implemented by the L'OCCITANE FOUNDATION, we have been able to support 42,600 women in Burkina Faso by promoting their entrepreneurship and empowering them.
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the way there:
1. Fair partnerships
2. Empowering women’s leadership together
When women are empowered, entire communities thrive
By earning their own income and growing their businesses, women shea butter producers in Burkina Faso strengthen their social standing. Greater financial independence enables them to contribute more to household expenses and invest in their children's education. This creates a positive ripple effect for the women themselves, their families and their wider communities.
We encourage women to achieve their full potential
We need more female entrepreneurs – and we're acting to make it possible. The L'OCCITANE FOUNDATION collaborates with the non-profit organization Entrepreneurs du Monde to support women in developing sustainable business ideas and generating additional income. Furthermore, through our competition L'OCCITANE pour Elles, we have helped four driven winners take their business dreams to the next level.
Shea butter
Shea trees are a natural part of the landscape in Burkina Faso. To protect their skin from harsh conditions, women have used shea butter for generations. Here, it is known as the gold of Burkina Faso.