Suppliers to Essential Oil Brand Unpaid and Afraid After Abuse Inquiry

Women Forced to Change Their Stories During Investigation

An investigation into the abuse of women working to supply frankincense to doTERRA, a leading US essential oils brand, has left workers unpaid and afraid. Many women reported being forced to change their stories “or face consequences.”

---

Background of the Investigation

Last year, doTERRA launched an investigation into its frankincense supplier in Somaliland following allegations of serious abuses, including sexual harassment and assault. These abuses were initially reported by the Fuller Project. Women working as frankincense sorters faced underpayment and harsh working conditions that impacted their health.

doTERRA’s Ethical Sourcing Promise

DoTERRA, which earns over $2 billion annually, prides itself on ethical sourcing. The company claims to ensure fair treatment of all harvesters and growers and to protect the environment during production. However, their investigation revealed that the supplier, Asli Maydi, failed to meet these standards. DoTERRA has since cut ties with Asli Maydi.

Threats and Intimidation

Despite the investigation, some women reported that doTERRA’s actions put them in further danger. Saynab Faarax Diiriye, representing over 70 female frankincense sorters in Togdheer, Somaliland, stated that their interviews, promised to be confidential, were leaked. She claimed that the former employer, Barkhad Hassan, used this information to threaten them.

Investigation Denials

Sara George, the lawyer hired by doTERRA, denied these allegations. She explained that one local investigator was assaulted, and his laptop and phone were stolen, but no interview details were leaked. Witnesses were contacted and offered legal assistance at doTERRA’s expense.

Safety Concerns

Despite promises of protection, Diiriye and Amina Souleiman from the British charity Horn of Africa said the promised security never materialized. The women had to arrange their own safety measures, including hiring security guards and relocating vulnerable women.

Working Conditions and Pay Issues

George’s investigation found that workers’ conditions did not meet doTERRA’s code of conduct. Workers faced long hours, unsafe water, poor sanitation, and workplace injuries. Although doTERRA paid above-market value for frankincense, some women were underpaid.

Formation of Beeyo Maal Collective

After the Fuller Project’s report, some women formed a collective called Beeyo Maal, meaning “milkers of frankincense.” This collective allowed women to earn their own money and hold positions of power. They now earn $7.50 to $10 per day, compared to the $1 per day they made before.

Future Actions

DoTERRA has banned all future contracts with Barkhad Hassan. However, the former Asli Maydi workers have not received their missing wages. George stated that doTERRA has no records of the workers to validate their claims.

Current Operations

DoTERRA has not resumed operations in Somaliland. The company is transferring ownership of a hospital in Erigavo to the Somaliland health ministry. The hospital’s employees and patients were reportedly forced out by Hassan.

Resilience and Progress

Despite challenges, the women of Beeyo Maal continue to thrive. They have buyers in the US, UK, and New Zealand. They hosted their first annual conference, paid workers fairly, and applied for Fair Wild certification.

---

The Fuller Project, a non-profit newsroom, partnered with The Guardian to publish this story. Follow the Fuller Project for more updates on women’s issues.

Sources:

• Fuller Project
• Horn of Africa Charity
• doTERRA’s Website

For more information, consult the Fuller Project’s newsletter and follow them on Twitter or LinkedIn.