Article
Giving Back
Aug
giving back
The Berber women work tirelessly collecting, drying and cracking open the argan nuts as well as extracting the prickly pear seeds from the fruit by hand. We recognise that without their hard work, diligence and commitment to this project, delivering authentic prickly pear seed and argan oils in their purest forms, would not be possible.
Our founder spent many months conducting thorough research and implementing a very careful selection process to ensure that at Saoirse Skincare, we work with partners who also acknowledge the need for social responsibility. We work with cooperatives who ensure high morale and ethical practices in the work environment as well as excellent work conditions. Securing ethically sourced ingredients is of paramount importance to us. We are committed to sourcing our argan and prickly pear seed oils from partners who care passionately about improving the quality of life of their employees.
The production of these oils serves as a source of income for Berber women, who previously had no other means of obtaining an income, thus enabling them to obtain financial independence. We work with women’s cooperatives that ensure that the Berber women are paid fair wages. Equally as important, the wages are handed directly to the women and not to third parties. More than 450 women from 5 different villages are employed by our partners and paid fair wages. Furthermore, our partners actively devote time and resources to projects that address social issues these women face.
Running Water
Our partners have teamed up with organisations to ensure the Berber women have running water in their homes. Therefore, the Berber women do not the need to collect water from wells which is physically debilitating and demanding.
Education
Our partners promote education and literacy amongst the Berber women, financing school supplies so that the women can have the necessary resources and tools to learn and study. The costs of employing a teacher are covered by our partners.
Development Fund
Our partners established a development fund which takes on various projects to enhance the quality of living for the people in the Moroccan villages. One such project, is to provide kitchen equipment (ovens, utensils, plates etc) for the school canteen located in the village where the Berber women work.
Rug Weaving
Our partners cover the costs of employing a trainer to teach the women how to weave rugs. This training course allows the Berber women to develop further skills which can be used to facilitate their financial independence as they take on additional paid work weaving rugs.
Free Pulps & Shells
The pulp and shells that remain after the Berber women crack open the argan nuts are given to them directly. They use the pulp to feed their animals. In this way, they are able to care for their animals without the financial burden of feeding them. The shells are used as an energy source during the cold months to heat their homes. Therefore, they do not need to cut wood from the argan forests which are further protected.
Solar Panels
Like us, our partners understand environmental responsibility. They have installed solar panels in their factories as a means of obtaining energy in an eco-friendly and more efficient manner. So the ingredients we source at Saoirse Skincare are more sustainably produced.
Our partners are one of the very few certified fair-trade cooperatives currently operating in Morocco. We make sure to constantly monitor the work-in-progress of the projects our cooperatives undertake and keep up to date on production processes.
Giving Back
giving back The Berber women work tirelessly collecting, drying and cracking open the argan nuts [...]
Aug
Premium & Organic Oils Made Sustainably
At Saoirse Skincare, a passion for clean, ethical and sustainable beauty prevails. Wherever possible, we [...]
Jul
How our argan oil is made
Our story begins in the Anti-Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Located here, are various villages where [...]
Jul
How do I know if my prickly pear seed oil is pure & authentic?
In a time where there are numerous impure prickly pear seed oils being passed off [...]
2 Comments
Jul
How do I know if my Argan oil is pure & authentic?
It is a sad truth to acknowledge, but the current cosmetic market is saturated with [...]
Jul