OCTOBER 2024
Empowering Women, Changing the Climate:
With thanks to Tungga Dewi and Riesa (Icha) Putri
Climate change is one of the most urgent global challenges we face today, and addressing it effectively requires more than technological solutions. The social dimensions of climate action—particularly gender equality—are critical in creating lasting impact. Empowering women through education and healthcare access, is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool to mitigate climate change. In Indonesia the women-led organisation Perfect Fit is leading the way and Atlas pearls is proud to support their mission.
The Environmental Case for Gender Equality
According to Project Drawdown, one of the top solutions to combat climate change is the empowerment of women. By providing access to reproductive healthcare and education, we can reduce population pressure, which helps lower carbon emissions and alleviates strain on natural resources. Gender equality also fosters better decision-making in communities, as women play crucial roles in managing resources like water, food, and energy—key areas in climate resilience.
Women are often disproportionately affected by climate change, especially in rural and remote areas. Their role in family and community sustenance makes them especially vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters, environmental degradation, and poor access to health services. Supporting women's health and education, then, becomes not just a moral imperative but also an environmental one. It helps build resilient communities that are better equipped to manage and recover from climate-related challenges.
The Challenge of Equality in Indonesia
Indonesia faces significant barriers to achieving gender equality, particularly in remote and rural areas. Deeply rooted cultural stigmas around menstruation perpetuate misinformation, often framing menstruation as something shameful or impure. These beliefs are passed down through generations, leaving many women and girls ill-informed about their own bodies resulting in practical challenges such as poor health practices, limited access to sanitary products, and restricted opportunities to manage menstrual health with dignity.
For many girls, menstruation is shrouded in taboos, with strict rules to follow: don’t wash your hair, don’t cut your nails, and other myths that serve to isolate them. This stigma causes a ripple effect, preventing girls from seeking the support they need. The silence around menstruation becomes a barrier to education, affecting girls' confidence and participation in school and later in the workforce, which ultimately limits their opportunities for growth and well-being.
Perfect Fit’s Mission and Impact
Perfect Fit was born out of the desire to challenge these cultural stigmas, breaking down the myths surrounding menstruation and providing women with safe, sustainable options for menstrual care. Co-founded by Tungga Dewi and Riesa (Icha) Putri, the organization creates reusable sanitary products and runs educational programs to help women and girls understand their bodies and manage menstruation with confidence.
Tungga reflects on the early vision: Perfect Fit started with a simple idea—creating products that were both good for women and the environment while starting essential conversations about menstruation. Over time, that vision evolved into something larger. "Now, it’s not just about the products—it’s about creating a movement,” she explains. The mission is to break the stigma around periods, educate women about their bodies, and empower them to take control of their health.
Today, Perfect Fit has reached thousands of women across Indonesia, fostering a culture of empowerment where women feel confident in managing their well-being.
Collaboration with Atlas Pearls
The partnership between Atlas Pearls and Perfect Fit has been instrumental in expanding the reach of menstrual health education and sustainable products to underserved communities. With Atlas Pearls' relationships in remote areas, Perfect Fit has been able to connect with women and girls who would otherwise have limited access to these essential resources.
An example of this collaboration’s success is on Alor Island, where Atlas Pearls’ trusted relationships with local leaders have facilitated workshops and product distribution in local schools. Through this partnership, over 1,800 reusable pads have been distributed to 450 women and girls, empowering them to manage their health with confidence while also reducing the environmental footprint of single-use menstrual products.
Together, the two organizations are breaking the silence around menstruation, fostering open conversations in schools and communities, and addressing the broader issue of period poverty. The environmental impact is also significant: by promoting reusable products, the partnership supports sustainable practices that align with Atlas Pearls' commitment to reducing plastic waste and advancing environmental responsibility.
As Icha notes, Atlas Pearls’ commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) has amplified Perfect Fit’s mission: “Together, we’ve built a foundation for continued progress toward ending period poverty and fostering sustainable practices” she said.
The collaboration between Atlas Pearls and Perfect Fit is a shining example of how organizations can work together to create meaningful, long-term change—both for the environment and for women across Indonesia. By addressing the interconnected challenges of women’s health, education, and environmental responsibility, this partnership is making a lasting impact in Indonesia’s remote communities, empowering women and contributing to the global fight against climate change.
Written by Cath Witten