NEWSLETTERChronicles of Engaged Innovations | February 2022 - April 2023
Pathways beyond Swachh Bharat
Fields of View's Waste Management Research
Fields of View's Solid Waste Management Landscape Study sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced in the realm of waste management in India. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the study engaged various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, industry actors, and policy influencers, to gain comprehensive insights into the SWM ecosystem.
The stakeholder network analysis provided a glimpse into the interconnections among different actors. It underscored the need for collaboration and inclusivity to effectively address the challenges in the SWM ecosystem.
Our report also emphasized the potential pathways for philanthropic intervention. Beyond Swachh Bharat schemes and behavior change initiatives, the study advocated for bottom-up policy frameworks, reimagining plastic credits, and supporting an independent climate movement that includes waste workers.
Bridging Gaps in Safety
Fields of View's PPE Research for Waste Workers
Fields of View conducted a study on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for waste workers to enhance their safety and well-being. The study aimed to identify challenges and devise effective solutions to protect the workers from occupational hazards.
The study analyzed game sessions and surveys involving waste workers. During the pre-use phase, waste workers primarily used masks and gloves for protection, neglecting other essential PPE like safety goggles and uniforms. Affordability emerged as a significant barrier, as some waste workers struggled to buy PPE with unstable incomes. Moreover, the absence of specialized PPE for different waste categories and pregnant workers posed safety risks.
To address these issues, Fields of View proposed technical, social, and institutional recommendations. Improving PPE design to provide better grip, breathability, and protection from hazards was suggested. Footwear and waste collection equipment were also recommended for waste sorters and collectors.
Shaping Mental Health Perspectives
Fields of View’s State of Care Game Session at Mindscapes Summit
Fields of View, in collaboration with the Centre of Mental Health Law and Policy (CMHLP) and UnBox Cultural Futures Society, presented an abridged version of our immersive game, State of Care, at the Mindscapes Summit. This international cultural program, initiated by Wellcome Trust, on April 22, 2023, saw active participation from policymakers, experts, and a diverse group of participants from around the globe. By assuming the roles of caregivers navigating the public system, participants gained firsthand insight into the realities faced by vulnerable populations.
The session stimulated thought-provoking conversations, fostering empathy, understanding, and a renewed commitment to driving positive change in the mental healthcare landscape. The event showcased the potential of games as a powerful tool for promoting empathy, raising awareness, and advocating for policy changes. It underscored the importance of prioritizing mental healthcare as a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. The Mindscapes Summit, with its emphasis on transforming how we understand, address, and discuss mental health, provided an ideal platform to highlight the significance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for mental health.
From Theory to Practice:
Fields of View's Engaging Polity Sessions:
Fields of View conducted a comprehensive urban policy course at Flame University in Pune from January to February. The course covered a range of subjects, including solid waste management, social protection, and equitable urban water security. The curriculum incorporated engaging activities like the City Game, Rubbish game, and a customized Fields of View Workshop. Similarly, the Policy Evaluation Workshop held at Mount Carmel College (MCC) in Bengaluru during March and April catered to Master's degree students in Public Policy. This 30-hour experiential learning platform exposed students to policy evaluation tools and methodologies, comprising classroom sessions, case studies, group exercises, practical assignments, and diverse game play sessions. These multifaceted engagements aimed to deepen students' comprehension of policy evaluation concepts and analytical skills, effectively bridging the theory-practice gap. These Polity initiatives nurtured critical thinking, practical skills, and a deeper policy understanding among the students.
In March, the Asia Foundation Development Fellows in Bangkok joined the storytelling game session 'Ondu Kathe Keli'. Additionally, a one-day April workshop for Piramal Foundation in Bengaluru centered around constitutional values and social protection, employing the Solemnly Resolve game and a presentation on E-QLT tool.
