@changemakers
Featuring grassroot stories and initiatives that spark change through upliftment, empowerment and inspiration
Sreeja V
@Wordsmith · 3:46
Swati Suman, Co Founder and COO, The Art of Making Foundation on empowering women through STEAM skillset
Join this
conversation
Download the Swell app and instantly add your voice.
The initiative is focused on providing a space for hands on learning, using advanced manufacturing a community to foster growth, collaboration and sharing to drive innovation and workforce development. I welcome co founder and CEO Swathi Summon on Change Makers to share more about the initiative and the journey so far. Swati is Indian Ambassador for Women in the 3d Printing International Community and State President at 3d Printing Council W-I-C CI
Swati Suman
@swatisuman · 1:49
So the inception happened back in the year 2020, I would say. When COVID hit and Schwarz was in New Jersey, I was in India. We both were a part of a woman and 3D printing group. And we could see there is a potential, but again, there is a lack of awareness in this other manufacturing field
Sreeja V
@Wordsmith · 0:30
Thank you, Swati. Such an inspirational message to hear, especially as we celebrate our 75th Independence Day. You know that you wanted to do something for the women in our country. My next question is that why three 3D printing? As such, what are the possibilities that 3D printing and manufacturing can offer to women who seek to be self employed? And within that, what are the programs that you're offering to help women explore this avenue?
Swati Suman
@swatisuman · 2:50
But with the 3D printing industry where anyone can have a 3D printer at the comfort of their home so I'm talking about the basic DIY level 3D printers when it comes to the commercials one, we have a huge metal printer available in the market as well. So how 3D printing is going to help empower women? So to answer this question, providing the right skill set and training to women to enter to such industry is one of our aim
Sreeja V
@Wordsmith · 0:14
Swati. How has the idea been received? And did you need to motivate young women to break their conditioning and mindset about working in the manufacturing industry?
Swati Suman
@swatisuman · 2:14
So this whole idea was recognized by one of the organizations in Bangalore, the Nas Foundation. They supported us a lot and they really liked the idea that we are kind of bringing more women to the tech industry. So, yeah, overall, the response has been a bittersweet experience, I would say. For sure
Sreeja V
@Wordsmith · 0:19
Hi, Swati. Could you share a success story with us that can inspire many women out there who might be waiting in the wings and help them break their conditioning or any kind of mindset that proves prevents them from getting into the manufacturing sphere?
Swell Team
@Swell · 0:15
Swati Suman
@swatisuman · 2:16
So that's how we kind of started collaborating with other rural artisans as well. So women out there, if you have anything which is unique and nobody has it, you are free to design your own products at the comfort of your own home. You can do the designing, you can get it printed, and it's good to go to the market itself. So I believe that was one of the case studies which we did, was really helpful for us to understand the market well as well
Join this
conversation
Download the Swell app and instantly add your voice.