The Eco Femme Story
Eco Femme started as a health non-profit under the umbrella of the Auroville Village Action Group (AVAG), working with local schools and women’s groups to promote basic menstrual health awareness and discussion. They soon realized that there was a greater need for sustainable menstrual options throughout the Chennai region in India. By creating a business, Eco Femme could not only increase access, but also support women with a living wage gaining economic independence and skills training, while funding menstrual health education programs via the Pad for Pad Donation. Eco Femme is the first example of a developing country selling washable cloth pads to more-developed countries, shifting the power dynamic to validate the agency of the Global South (traditionally marginalized peoples). Natural Flow is Eco Femme’s U.S. Ambassador, helping to expand this innovative option starting in our own backyard. Will you join us?
Pad for Pad Donation
For each Day Pad, Night Pad, and Pantyliner 3-Pack sold, one pad is donated (combined into kits of 4) to an adolescent girl through Eco Femme’s Menstrual Health Education Programs in rural Indian schools. This enables girls to have safe spaces for discussing often-avoided taboo topics that are critically important to their sense of agency and personal empowerment. From more days in school to a greater connection with their own bodies, sustainable menstrual options and community support healthy girls, women, and societies.
Style | Flow | Color (Top) | Absorbent Cotton Flannel Fill | Leakproof PUL Layer | Quantity |
Night Pad | Brown | 7 Layers | Yes | Single | |
Day Pad | Magenta | 5 Layers | Yes | Single | |
Pantyliner | Blue | 3 Layers | Optional | 3-Pack |
Pantyliner 3-Pack | Night Pad | Day Pad | Pouch | |
Base Wholesale Price | $11.10 | $8.70 | $7.50 | $3.00 |
Retail Margin | + $7.40 | + $5.80 | + $5.00 | + $2.00 |
Pad for Pad Donation | + $1.50 | + $1.50 | + $1.50 | + N/A |
Retail Price | = $20.00 | = $16.00 | = $14.00 | = $5.00 |
% Retail Margin | 40% | 40% | 40% | 40% |
FAQ
Q: How are Eco Femme Pads different from other reusable pads?
A:
Q: Are the pads made with organic cotton?
A: Not yet. Currently, Eco Femme pads are sourced from conventional cotton local to the Auroville Region. We are actively looking for a local organic source that can provide us with the quality, quantity, and other specifications that we need. However, our new dye process is certified organic by SGS.