72 SUSTAINABILITY RESPONSIBLE SOURCING HERproject HERproject is an initiative that focuses on empowering women who work within supply chains. It is organized by BSR, a global nonprofit business network and consultancy dedicated to sustainability. Building on a successful two-year HERproject program that we completed in our packaging supply chain in fiscal 2021, we are expanding the program with BSR into agriculture, targeting shea. Women involved in agriculture in many countries may face challenges related to access to and control over resources, training, and education. HERproject is addressing these needs by empowering and building the capacity of women. The program also strengthens cooperative capacity (between men and women) to support women producers. The model is being developed and piloted in Ghana through a grant from The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation. The program will draw on existing HERproject curriculum modules such as gender awareness, communication skills, problem solving, financial planning, and taking care of one’s health. The objective is to develop a bespoke HERproject model for the agricultural sector that may serve as a blueprint across our ingredients, as well as become available to the wider beauty industry. SHEA Shea butter is an important ingredient in many of our products, used as a softening and moisturizing agent. It is often listed on our ingredients label as Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), in reference to the tree that produces the shea nut. Shea trees grow naturally in the wild in central Africa, and shea nuts are typically harvested by women. In fiscal 2021, we joined the Global Shea Alliance, a nonprofit industry association that promotes sustainability, quality practices, and standards for shea in food and cosmetics. Building on our long-held commitments to both women and sustainability, we are dedicated to engaging in industry collaboration to help generate positive impact on the ground. BSR’s HERproject is proud of the evolution of our partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies’ Charitable Foundation (ELCCF). ELCCF’s support enables HERproject to enter new frontiers, deepen our work, and empower more women in global supply chains. Our collaboration in Ghana represents the first expansion of HERproject into West Africa and the ingredient supply chain connected to the beauty industry, and it underscores The Estée Lauder Companies’ commitment to responsible sourcing and to empowering women in its supply chain. CHRISTINE SVARER Director, HERproject, BSR “ “