Kathy, the founder of Eco Femme, embarks on a journey that intertwines curiosity, innovation, and community spirit, leading to the creation of cloth pads and menstrual programs that capture global attention. How did it all begin? What ignited the idea? And why did Kathy, along with another individual from afar, find themselves in India, pioneering this impactful social enterprise?

The common thread linking these questions leads to Auroville – an experimental township nestled in the southern expanse of India, home to a diverse population of over 3000 individuals from sixty different nations. For Kathy, Auroville has been a sanctuary and a primary source of inspiration for the past twenty-five years.

Auroville has profoundly influenced everything Kathy does at Eco Femme. In this blog, she sheds light on the profound impact this unique relationship has had on the trajectory of their project, especially as Auroville celebrates its 54th anniversary.

Kathy's Journey to Auroville

Originally from Australia, Kathy's journey to Auroville commenced in January 1996. It was a friend, during her travels in Europe, who first introduced her to the concept of Auroville. The idea of an international community dedicated to the pursuit of human unity ignited a profound curiosity within Kathy. Within a year of learning about Auroville, she found herself beneath the shade of the Banyan tree at its heart, inscribing in her journal the profound sense of belonging she felt. Shortly after, Kathy became a part of this community, settling in a nascent settlement named 'Adventure,' and embracing a new life in India.

The Emergence of an Ecological Paradigm

Kathy's initial involvement in Auroville revolved around tree planting, an experience that fostered a deep-seated awareness of the interconnectedness between nature and humanity. The ethos of "Auroville wants to be the city the earth needs" permeated Kathy's consciousness, compelling her to contemplate its implications.

Embracing a life of voluntary simplicity, communal living, and organic farming became second nature to Kathy, demonstrating the possibility of treading lightly on the earth. Transitioning to reusable cloth pads emerged as a pivotal step towards reducing waste and reconnecting with her body.

Integral Vision and Collaborative Spirit

Auroville instilled in Kathy a holistic perspective and a penchant for collaborative endeavors. Inspired by the community's ethos, she partnered with Jessamijn Miedema in 2009 to envision the future of Eco Femme. Drawing from Auroville's model of collaboration and self-sustainability, they adopted a social enterprise framework, aiming to generate income to fuel their 'not-for-profit' initiatives, thus liberating themselves from donor dependency.

Their collaboration extended to partnering with the NGO Auroville Village Action Group, providing livelihood opportunities to local women and gaining insights into the grassroots menstrual landscape of India. This collaborative approach enabled them to understand menstruation as a multifaceted issue with far-reaching health, economic, environmental, cultural, and gender dimensions.

The Significance of Auroville's Locale

Situated in rural South India, Eco Femme's roots in Auroville embody a fusion of global consciousness and traditional wisdom. This confluence has facilitated the development of a groundbreaking approach to menstrual health education, with implications spanning India and beyond.

Cultivating a Culture of Collaboration

Central to Auroville's ethos is the spirit of collaboration, a stark departure from the prevailing ethos of competition. Kathy and Jessamijn have been beneficiaries of this ethos, receiving support from within the community in various forms – from material resources to knowledge-sharing – nurturing their growth and success. This generosity has instilled in them a commitment to pay it forward, underscoring their belief that their mission transcends mere profitability.

Stewardship and Legacy

Auroville's visionary ideals, embodied in its charter and guiding documents, resonate deeply with Eco Femme's commitment to environmental stewardship. As a commercial unit within Auroville, they operate not for personal gain but for the collective prosperity of the community. A significant portion of their surpluses is reinvested into Auroville's central fund, ensuring the sustainability of the larger project.

Auroville's essence is multifaceted and complex, challenging to encapsulate in words. Through this narrative, Kathy hopes to offer a glimpse into the profound influence of this extraordinary community on Eco Femme's evolution. Without Auroville's guiding ethos and inspiration, their project would lack the depth and richness it possesses today. To delve deeper into the ethos of Auroville, Kathy invites you to explore www.auroville.org or better yet, experience its magic firsthand by visiting in person!