The Dutch Grass Ceiling Living Lab met together on 23rd May. The whole day was joyful. The women were so pleased to see one another and to be visiting the farm of one of the participants, Irene Beukeveld – to see her plans come true in ‘real life’. The group was joined by an extra academic lead who had only met a couple of the women earlier, but was wholeheartedly welcome. The film crew from Spain were also present the whole day and fit in easily. It was of course just a coincidence that the whole group had turned up looking splendid!
The morning began with the usual updates. Many people remarked on the progress that had been made by everyone within the last three years. To have the opportunity to stand still and look back at the beginning of the project was empowering and gave the women a chance to be proud of their achievements, but mostly for one another. The rest of the morning was lead by one of the talented participants, Lonieke de Ruiter, who gave a workshop on Canva and how to use this for your branding. She is herself working with two of the other innovators and used some of this as examples which was extra special.
Meanwhile, the innovators were interviewed individually by the film crew for a series representing all the women participation in the Living Labs across the nice countries. They all did wonderfully and their own stories and experience shone out. These videos will be released after the summer. The group photo is credited to Álvaro Sancho from Giste Producciones.
The afternoon was filled with the focus group as part of the research into the how the Living Labs worked. It was an emotional time with lots of reflection and looking back at how far everyone had come. A big conversation was about how to go forward once this trajectory has stopped. There is a genuine bond between the women and the co-leads/observers. Huge support has been exchanged over the 2.5 years so far and we are all invested in each project to see it succeed.
An interesting question is: How did this group become so strong? Is there a magic formula? We discussed this and whilst reasons such as connection, honesty and support were key, an important aspect was that of vulnerability. The women themselves created a space where they could be vulnerable, they could share new ideas, they could share failures. All without fear of being judged. This is something that everyone should have.
The day finished in the best possible way, eating an ice-cream and touring the farm and new kitchen from Irene. The weather was not favourable, but this did not taint it at all, in fact many were happy it was raining finally! Last year, fellow innovator, Petra Commijs, had shared her extensive ice-cream making knowledge with Irene and she was proudly served a taste-plate with different flavours for her approval, which was of course forthcoming with enthusiasm. This was a special moment and a full-circle example of the innovative projects that the Living Labs have enabled.
