Are periods simply a burden for women to bear? Can menstruation education cause systemic change for the better in women's welfare? What are the implications of women revitalizing menstrual practices on society and the earth? 

In this special episode, Effy talks to the co-founder of EcoFemme Kathy Walkling about how rethinking menstruation and menstruation education can cause radical social change in women’s welfare. Kathy explains EcoFemme’s approach to menstruation that is healthy, environmentally sustainable, culturally responsive and empowering and Effy has a profound shift in her relationship with her body and the earth as the conversation unfolds. 

To find out more about Kathy
Kathy Walkling is the co-founder of Eco Femme, a women-led social enterprise working to create environmental and social change by promoting menstrual practices that are healthy, dignified, affordable and eco-positive. Kathy heads Eco Femme’s research and not-for-profit menstrual health education and pad distribution programmes, Pad for Pad and Pads for Sisters. Originally from Australia, Kathy moved to the international community of Auroville in Tamil Nadu, India in 1997. Grounded in Auroville’s commitment to human unity and sustainable living, her passion for care of the earth and the sacred feminine were well-nourished, giving rise to Eco Femme in 2010.

Prior to this, Kathy worked with the Auroville Village Action Group (AVAG), a local grassroots NGO, where she established community-led teaching programmes for children and livelihood programmes for women, in the villages neighboring Auroville. More recently, Kathy has been a core founding member of the Auroville Citizens’ Assembly which successfully launched with a pilot project in early 2021. Kathy is an active member of the Menstrual Health Alliance, India, and completed Dasra‘s Social Impact Leadership Programme in 2014

Throughout her journey, Kathy has been a staunch advocate for empowerment built upon non-judgemental, culturally responsive and accurate education to individuals and prompting critical thinking—in a nutshell, “informed choice”. This approach is about more than menstrual products; it is about supporting individual’s personal transformation and reconnecting with themselves, one another and the environment. Naturally, Kathy cherishes spending time in wild spaces simply“being” and turning within to reflect, question and embrace never-ending learning!

Instagram: @ecofemme
Youtube: @ecofemmeindia
Facebook: ecofemmeindiaonline
Eco femme shop: www.ecofemme.org

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