Infrastructing Care: Diversity Advocacy in Digitalisation Efforts in the Global South and North

2021-2026 | Sol Martinez Demarco | International Center for Ethics in the Sciences and Humanities (IZEW, Tübingen Universität, Germany)

This research project investigates inclusion practices within techno-feminist communities, focusing on groups in Argentina and Germany. Born out of Sol’s long-standing interest in technology and activism, the project began by identifying and contacting active technofeminist collectives in both countries. Originally conceived as a hybrid ethnography combining face-to-face and online engagement, the project was reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a complete shift to digital methods. Through online participant observation, interviews, document analysis and interactions on platforms such as Slack, Sol embedded themselves in these communities to explore how care, solidarity and feminist technological practices unfold in different socio-political contexts. As the project evolved, methodological and linguistic challenges arose, particularly in maintaining engagement with the German community after it moved entirely online. In contrast, the Argentine group welcomed Sol into their activities, providing a dynamic and ongoing research environment. The iterative research process included collaborative review: Sol invited community members to comment on drafts of their academic work via Slack and Discord, integrating their feedback before publication. This open, participatory approach not only shaped the research’s direction but also fostered trust and accountability between the researcher and the community. Beyond academia, the project has been extended through a collaboration with two academic-designers committed to inclusive practices. Together, they are developing a dedicated website section to amplify the voices of technofeminist groups around the world. This platform will feature short interviews and creative presentations, giving greater visibility to these often overlooked communities. Combining research, design, and outreach, the project aims to bridge academic work with tangible platforms for feminist tech activism. Running until 2026, it represents a growing effort to understand, document and support inclusive technological infrastructures.