Victoria's Secret: The Underbelly of Ethical Lingerie

Yes, when it comes to organic lingerie, I'm quite knowledgeable, and I must admit I hesitated to discuss the Victoria's Secret scandal. One, because talking about another lingerie brand isn't my policy, and two, because what's the point? It's just a drop in the ocean. Except, I watched Envoyé Spécial, the organic business special, and the journalist concluded by saying that a lingerie brand was caught out for using child labor in its cotton fields. So, I have to talk about it.

So, Bloomberg magazine revealed that children were picking organic cotton in Burkina Faso. Yes, a very large group making millions in turnover dares to employ children on its farms.

The testimony of Clarisse Kambire, a 13-year-old girl exploited by her boss, forced her to pick and plant cotton. If she didn't work fast enough, she was beaten. Clarisse is not the only child in this situation; six others share the same nightmare.

Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world, and according to investigations, it's a country where child labor persists.

And what's particularly upsetting is that this farm is certified organic and fair trade. What I don't understand is how such a large group could let this happen? An investigation is currently open, even if the group defends itself by saying that this cotton is only used for a tiny part of their collection. Well, yes, making organic and fair trade products isn't their deepest desire...

This photo was taken in a cotton field in Peru that produces organic comforters; the working conditions are controlled and comply with fair trade criteria.

It's obvious that if the brand had multiplied its controls, it would have seen and avoided any scandal that tarnishes the world of fair trade.

++ Bloomberg Report

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