Girl Children in Mumbai participate in “storytelling” workshop by Decolonizing Futures

The Decolonizing Futures Initiative conducted a workshop for 30 girl children in Mumbai on 27th August. The workshop is a global initiative that promotes non-western methodologies in foresight inspired by the oral folk-storytelling tradition of Kaavad from Rajasthan, India. The purpose of the workshop is about breaking limited mindsets and realizing one’s dream or aim.  

 The workshop was facilitated through participatory approach where participants were encouraged to build visions of their preferred futures that respond to the needs and challenges of their own environment and aligned with their distinct ideas of progress. Through this work, the facilitator initiated a dialogue for equitable, sustainable futures that challenge hegemonic "one-size-fits-all" approach to long-term action and facilitate a process of transformation that reflect hopes and desires of the underprivileged girl children. The exercise helped the girl plan for their future. 

 Pupul Bisht, who developed the new futures method, conducted the workshop.  Pupul is a Designer and Futurist with a Bachelor of Design from National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad and a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University, Toronto, Canada. She is currently working as an independent researcher and developing a project called Decolonizing Futures Initiative.