Ecofem Tales

At Ecofem Tales, we believe in storytelling as resistance, restoration, and re-imagination. On Tuesday, that vision came to life as our founder, Francisca Ogechi Okwulehie, presented her PhD research at the ETH4D Mentorship Practical Philosophy Internal Colloquium in Zurich. Left to right: Claire, Fanny, Professor. Nadia Mazouz, Francisca Okwulehie,Dr. Tea Lobo and Daniel Lucas all from the Professorship of Practical Philosophy ETH Zurich Her presentation, “Earth Healing in African Women’s Environmental Narratives: A Moral Pluralism Approach,” is a powerful contribution to African ecofeminist thought and climate justice. With philosophical clarity and deep cultural grounding, she centered the voices of Niger Delta women so often erased from environmental discourse as holders of ecological knowledge, spiritual resilience, and ethical insight. Francisca O. Okwulehie, Founder Ecofem Tales, wins ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Program at ETH Zurich Her work is a call to remember that environment...

In the spring of 2003, as the ice thawed and the first signs of renewal stirred in the North, a quiet but powerful journey began. A group of Anishinaabe grandmothers; Indigenous people of the Great Lakes region, whose traditional territories span parts of what is now Canada and the northern United States, set out to walk around the Great Lakes. They did not walk for fame, nor for protest signs or cameras. They walked for the water. Their journey was an act of love and ceremony, a response to the pollution and misuse of the Great Lakes, a system that holds nearly 20% of the world’s surface fresh water. Led by Josephine Mandamin, an Anishinaabe grandmother and water protector, they walked thousands of miles with copper pails in hand, offering prayers to the water at every step. This movement, known as the Mother Earth Water Walks was not just a response to environmental degradation. It was a restoration of responsibility. A return to a sacred relationship. A reclaiming of Indigenous ...

  Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim is an expert in the adaptation and mitigation of indigenous peoples to climate change. She is a proud member of the Mbororo pastoralist people in Chad and has dedicated her life to advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental protection. At just 16, she founded the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT), working to ensure the inclusion of indigenous knowledge and traditions in global climate action. Today, she serves as Chair of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, amplifying the voices of those who have long been excluded from decision-making. Hindou was born into a world where nature dictates life, where the land is not just a resource but an extension of identity, culture, and sustenance. As a child, she learned from her elders how to read the landscape, understand seasonal changes, and coexist harmoniously with the environment. Yet, she also saw the struggles women faced, limited access to education, exc...

Did you know that every time a forest is cleared or a species disappears, the delicate balance of nature is disrupted? Biodiversity loss is one of the most pressing yet often overlooked environmental challenges we face today. It refers to the decline in the variety of life on Earth, including plants, animals, and entire ecosystems, largely due to deforestation, pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Why Does Biodiversity Matter? Biodiversity is essential for the health of our planet and our own survival. Here’s how it impacts us: 1.  Food Security – Many of the foods we rely on, from fruits and vegetables to grains, depend on healthy ecosystems. The loss of pollinators like bees and butterflies can directly threaten global food production. 2.  Clean Air and Water – Forests and wetlands act as natural filters, purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink. When ecosystems collapse, so does the quality of these vital resources. 3.  Ecosystem Balance – ...

Forests are often called the lungs of the Earth, and for a good reason. They are more than just trees; they are lifelines for our planet. These rich ecosystems purify our air, protect our water sources, provide homes for countless species, and even nurture our mental and physical well-being. Yet, despite their immense value, forests face constant threats from deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable land use. Why Forests Matter Air and Climate Regulation Forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They help regulate the Earth's climate by mitigating the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions. Without them, the effects of climate change would be even more severe. Water Security Forests act as natural water filters, preventing soil erosion and ensuring clean water flows into rivers and lakes. They also help maintain groundwater levels, which are essential for agriculture and drinking water supplies. Biodiversity Hotspots Home to 80% of terrestri...

  In the heart of Rwanda, where mist-covered mountains kiss the skies and rolling hills stretch endlessly, a quiet revolution is taking place. This revolution is not led by politicians or corporations, but by women like Jolie Mukiza, visionaries who see conservation as more than just preserving nature, but as an act of empowerment, justice, and survival. Jolie Mukiza, a dedicated environmentalist, a conservation guide and ecofeminist, has become a beacon of hope for communities in Rwanda. Her work in conservation extends beyond the protection of forests, wildlife, and water bodies; it intertwines with the rights and voices of women who have long been stewards of the land yet sidelined in decision-making processes. Through grassroots activism, education, and sustainable practices, she is reshaping the narrative, one tree, one river, and one empowered woman at a time. Jolie, has dedicated the past thirteen years of her life to preserving the environment.  She says "We need m...