Problem solving focused on how technology can measurably & positively impact social problems, improve quality of life, correct for historic exclusion, and address one or more of the SDGs.
The Problem, The Need
With mixed-methods methodology, as initial cohorts, we interview women community leaders and youth leaders living in informal settlements. Guided by an original survey, the stakeholders express their needs on broad issues organized around the 17 Sustainable Development Goals so that the focus is on problem definition and solution, not ‘technology’.
The Pathway, The Process
1. Conversation Problem Definition
With mixed-methods methodology, as initial cohorts, we interview women community leaders and youth leaders living in informal settlements. Guided by an original, pre-vetted survey stakeholders express their needs on broad issues organized around the 17 Sustainable Development Goals so that the focus is on problem definition and solution, not ‘technology’.
Initially, we also interviewed three other stakeholder groups: government officials, international development partners, and technologists on what they perceive the needs to be of women and girls living in informal settlements. For the first time we will have the ability to identify what is affirmed as women and girl’s needs by the women and girls themselves and identify potential gaps with the actions of outside experts.
2. Problem Definition Solution Design
With the women community leaders and local university partners we mobilize multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder teams of social scientists and technologists to work collaboratively with the women and girls on the design and co-creation of needs-based, rights-based tech solutions. This includes Workshops, a Scientific Advisory Committee, mentors, and additional technical collaborators and community actors.
3. Solution Design Prototype Pilot
Women and Girl Community Leaders continue to lead, own, design, and maintain their solution to their problem. Increased influence and new decision-making platforms are foreseen for women as they turn their innovations and expertise into living tech, action and enterprise.
First sites: Erizo Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, Costa Rica in partnership with Tecnológico de Costa Rica + Jalisco, Mexico in partnership with Tecnológico de Monterrey.
Goal: To create technology across the Global South that ensures no one is left behind, and that we all thrive, leveraging tech’s full power to positively transform lives at scale.
Opportunities: Commit to any of a) Creating initial research project, b) Mentoring prototype, c) Advising pilots, and d) Financing (or in-kind) technical + social science expertise on prototypes + pilots.