October 13, 2025Open Access

Do It Together: Making Makerspace Learning Environments More Accessible for Refugee and Migrant Women

SHSonali HedditchThe University of Queensland DVDhaval VyasThe University of Queensland

Key Points

Learning pathways in makerspaces significantly foster inclusion among women from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
Effective learning modalities were identified to improve accessibility and facilitate employment for marginalized groups.
The importance of staff expertise emerged as a critical factor in creating supportive learning environments.
The shift from 'Do It Yourself' (DIY) to 'Do It Together' (DIT) promotes greater diversity and collaboration.

Abstract

Abstract Makerspaces are often defined as locations that bring together people, equipment, and materials for the purpose of Do It Yourself (DIY) activities, leading to democratic innovations. Less attention is given to alternatives to DIY approaches to enable successful learning environments for women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. By taking an ethnographic approach across nine makerspaces, this paper studies the learning pathways offered in each makerspace. Our findings examine (1) the efficacy of learning modalities to foster inclusion; (2) bridging pathways for women, refugees, and migrants; (3) staff expertise; and (4) facilitating pathways into employment. This paper extends the discussion from ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) to ‘Do It Together’ (DIT), highlighting DIT as a key approach to fostering diversity and inclusion. Finally, we contribute five strategies to provide a DIT environment and inclusive learning pathways for marginalized groups.

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