Seeding collective entrepreneurship for young women in Bihar, India.

  In India, Feminist Approach to Technology (FAT) is challenging gender disparities in STEM fields. By fostering safe learning spaces and mentorship programs, FAT empowers women and girls with technical skills, confidence, and leadership opportunities.

Technology innovator, Gayatri Buragohain, teaches underprivileged young women how to use computer and media equipment. 

Bridging the Gender Gap in Education
In India, girls face significant societal challenges, particularly concerning equality and opportunity. One of the most critical barriers is access to education. Although Indian law guarantees free education for children between 6 and 14 years old, dropout rates for girls remain high. Many girls are forced to leave school early to assist with household chores or are married off at a young age, restricting their educational and career prospects. The Feminist Approach to Technology (FAT) addresses these barriers by providing opportunities for girls to pursue education in technological fields.

Challenging Gender-Based Discrimination
Gender-based discrimination remains frequent in elements of Indian society, manifesting in limited decision-making autonomy, forced marriages, domestic violence, and restricted access to healthcare. Traditional gender roles often place girls at a disadvantage in their families, communities, and workplaces. FAT actively works to dismantle these patriarchal structures by equipping girls and women with the knowledge and tools to challenge societal injustices through technology and leadership development.

The participants have the opportunity to join diverse workshops dealing with gender narratives, gender roles and empowerment through digital literacy.


FAT's Impact and Expansion

Founded by Gayatri Buragohain, FAT integrates feminist principles into technology education. Buragohain, having faced gender discrimination in the IT sector, established FAT to empower girls through skill development and advocacy. The organisation has successfully launched centres in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Bihar, with a focus on being women-led. Many of its team members were once participants in its programs, demonstrating FAT’s sustainable impact in fostering leadership among young women.


Empowering Girls Through Technology Programs

FAT operates two key programs, particularly in Bihar, India's poorest state:


- Young Women Leadership Program (YWLP) – A two-phase initiative where girls learn basic computer and internet skills before advancing to media training, including camera work, design, and editing to create advocacy campaigns.


- Girls in STEM Program (GiSTEMP) – Aims to incorporate STEM subjects into girls’ education and career choices by combining feminist leadership training with hands-on STEM learning.


Since 2023, FAT, with support from the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation, has expanded its impact by enabling former participants to establish and lead their own community tech centres. This initiative not only fosters social entrepreneurship but also provides financial independence for young women. The foundation funds the setup costs and scholarships for 15 alumni, ensuring continued progress toward gender equality in technology and education.


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