Shodhini: Insights & Issues

Abstract

The Shodhini experience has been able to draw upon a range of disciplines in an attempt to develop a woman-centered health care alternative. In the process, it has drawn upon a critique of patriarchy, our understanding of feminism and gender, ecology and class, knowledge of plants through botany and phytochemistry and knowledge of gynaecology, naturopathy and Ayurveda. These and other disciplinary strands, especially local women's knowledge systems, have helped us arrive at an understanding of class- and gendersensitive indigenous health care. A first reading of this book may lead our readers to think that we have glossed simplistically over very complicated issues. However, our focus was clear: to try and create a workable model, which the average woman could use to understand and to address her own basic health needs. Eight years of experience in this work has brought forth several issues, which need to be discussed and resolved to some level of satisfaction. This chapter discusses some of these issues, and points to further action.