Jugaad (Innovation) Lab for Disadvantaged Girls

Feminist Approach to Technology's (FAT) project, the Jugaad (Innovation) Lab is a much-needed space for girls from disadvantaged communities to kindle their interest in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields so that they can situate themselves in the present and future of STEM research and practice. The Lab was started as a pilot project in the beginning of 2015 in Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi with 8 participants from classes 8 and 9, keeping in mind that this is the age when students have to decide what stream they are going to study in after 10th and hence, we felt it was important to work with this group. We conducted several basic science and maths workshops and classes but faced a lot of issues with this batch. The age group of the girls, parental pressure, language issues, restricted mobility, were some of the major challenges, so we decided to change our strategy.

We changed the target group to girls from class 6th to 8th, and began mobilization in government schools near Lajpat Nagar in October 2015. 25 girls came for the induction class in November 2015 from areas near Lajpat Nagar, such as Jalvihar, Srinivaspuri, East of Kailash, Vinobapuri, Nehru Nagar, and even Madanpur Khadar, which is far away from the lab. The classes were designed after understanding their school curriculum of Science and Math from class 6th to 8th so they could help them in school as well. We use tools like videos, projects, books, worksheets, games, activities and model-making to build their understanding around STEM subjects. We also organize weekly exposure visits to different makers-spaces, museums, exhibitions, science fairs etc. in Delhi so that girls can understand science application as well as get to use the equipment used in professional labs to get over their fears and inhibitions.

The participants soon became the mouthpieces of the project and encouraged their friends and relatives to join the Lab. They tell their teachers, family and peers about the new things they learn in class, and even recreate what they made that day at home. Regular classes began in November, and even during the girl's exams in February and March, they came to the Lab to use the space to study and get help from our team.

Another issue we face is convincing the parents that the Lab is beneficial for the girls. They look at it as a hobby class and want their children to focus on tuitions, religious school and other classes more. During the exam break, the Jugaad Lab team made multiple visits to the girl's homes to understand the challenges that girls face in their daily lives, their interest in the Lab and build the support of their family members so they continue to send the girls to the Lab. The safety of the girls while traveling to the Lab is a major concern. Despite the fact that the classes end before it gets dark, some girls face issues traveling alone. Arranging a van for them has not been possible due to lack of funds. Since the project is human resource intensive we need to invest in developing a larger team for the Lab. Till now, we have been dependent on volunteers, but we lack stable resources. The rapport building with the teacher takes time, and the girls find it difficult to adjust to new people very easily.

After seven months of attending the Jugaad Lab, there is a visible change in the girls. They now understand even advance science and math concepts and love making new projects. Initially, the team had to push them to learn new things, now they come up with their own ideas to make things. They started with basic projects like photo frames and origami and now are building their own lamps, electric table fans, electric bells, DC motors, and many more. The Lab has become a place where they feel free to think, create, make, break and have fun as they learn. The girls enjoy the classes so much, they don't want to go back home.

At FAT, we believe that women should not only be able to access or use technology, rather should actively engage in its creation and be a part of the scientific community. We focus on project-based learning integrated with fun activities and aim to create an open space where the girls can learn how to apply science and maths in their lives, and not look at it as a standalone subject. We are grateful for your support in building the Lab, and invite you to be a part of it. We still need lot more support to sustain this effort. We hope you will help us spread the word and raise more fund while continuing to support us through your donations.