[IndiChix] Libre Labs for women

hassath at gmail.com hassath at gmail.com
Fri Sep 5 06:37:05 UTC 2008


Hi.

I'm based in Delhi, and I was wondering if anyone had come with a
better option for the space here. But since that hasn't happened as
yet, here is one: I spoke with Gayatri, the founder of FAT (Feminist Approach
to Technology www.fat-net.org), an organisation with which I
volunteer. FAT has an office space which it will allow to be used for
such Libre Labs. However, it doesn't meet all the criteria listed
here.

On Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 5:01 PM, Vid A <vid at svaksha.com> wrote:
[...]
> #1. Requirements :
> ------------------------
> 1.1 Libre computer labs equipped with machines and an Internet connection.

The internet connection is there, but there is only one machine that
they can spare at the moment. There might be more later, but no one
knows at what point. Anyone on the list who wants to
donate/lend/arrange for more machines?

> 1.2 Centrally located within city limits.

I don't know about 'centrally located', but yes, it's well within city
limits. It's near the Jawaharlal Nehru University (towards the south
western part of Delhi), in a residential area, not far from the main
road, and well-connected by bus.

> #3. Do's and Dont's :
> -------------------------
> 3.1 Not meant to be used for personal use (downloading movies/songs,
> chatting, etc...)

Yes, FAT is very clear that it does not want its facilities being used
for any such personal activities.

> 3.2 Currently restricted to women participants.

FAT will allow the space ONLY for women participants, in keeping with
its policies.

> #4. Managing and growing the Idea :
> --------------------------------------------
> Managing and decision making (how many days a week, who will talk,
> what talks, etc....) is left entirely to the women volunteers in the
> city.

That's the difficult bit, because FAT can't offer any woman-power,
overloaded as they are. I can offer a bit of time to help out, but I
am not in a position to take the lead on this. However, I'll gladly
coordinate with FAT, once there is something concrete.

> 4.3 Delhi : Not much except I found a committed volunteer (again at
> mukt.in) who is willing to help out with this.

Would they be in a position to do the coordination and planning? I can
put them in touch with Gayatri, and they can come and
check out the space, to begin with.

-- 
- Hassath


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