FOSFEM is an inclusive, women-centric community dedicated to fostering growth and development of Free and Open Source (FOSS) ecosystem in India.

'FOS' refers to Free and Open Source, covering software, libre hardware, community, libre creations (design, art, and more). 'FEM' signifies its women-centric nature.

FOSFEM is led and primarily focused on women, creating a supportive space for their growth in the FOSS ecosystem. However, it encourages men and non-binary individuals to join as allies, contribute knowledge, mentor members, and support community activities.

While communities like Google Women Techmakers and LinuxChix do great work, their focus differs: - Google Women Techmakers is not FOSS-centric. - LinuxChix India chapter has had an inactive presence for 6 years and is not entirely about the FOSS ecosystem. FOSFEM aims to bridge these gaps, drawing inspiration from both along with organizations such as FOSS United, thus aligning with the FOSS movement.

No. FOSFEM is women-centric, not women-exclusive. It prioritizes women’s growth in the FOSS space but values collaboration from all individuals who believe in equality, open knowledge sharing, and community-driven development.

You can contribute in various ways: - **Technical contributions**: Software development, hardware projects, documentation, etc. - **Creative contributions**: Design, UX, community engagement, and open educational resources. - **Mentorship & support**: Guiding new contributors, organizing events, and spreading awareness about FOSS.

FOSFEM aims to promote the growth of FOSS ecosystem in India by creation of a safe and inclusive space for women for improved contribution.

You can join by participating in events, contributing to FOSS projects, or engaging with the community through online platforms and local chapters. Stay updated through our website and socials!

FOSFEM is an inviting space for you to learn and contribute. Anyone interested in contributing or learning about FOSS, supporting women in tech, and engaging in community activities can participate.

FOSFEM hosts a variety of events, including: - **Workshops & Hackathons** – Hands-on coding, FOSS contribution sprints, and involvement with libre hardware. - **Webinars & Tech Talks** – Sessions by experienced professionals and FOSS contributors. - **Community Meetups** – Networking opportunities and discussions on FOSS culture.

No. While many members are developers, engineers, and students, FOSFEM is open to anyone passionate about free and open source ecosystem, including designers, writers, community organizers, educators, and researchers.

Yes, FOSFEM actively partners with FOSS organizations and universities to raise awareness about FOSS and organize collaborative initiatives.

Organizations can support FOSFEM by: - Sponsoring events, workshops, or mentorship programs.

FOSFEM maintains repositories and project lists on GitHub. Community updates and contributions are also shared on the website and social media.

FOSFEM follows a strict Code of Conduct to ensure a welcoming, respectful, and harassment-free space. Community members are encouraged to uphold inclusivity, mutual respect, and positive collaboration.