How to Encourage Women in Mainland China to Actively Participate in the Wikimedia Global Movement[edit]

Abstract/description[edit]

The Wikimedia global movement emphasizes diversity among its participants, especially in terms of gender.

Starting in 2023, we initiated interviews with Wikimedia users in Mainland China to understand their awareness of and willingness to engage with Wikimedia projects. Up to now, we have interviewed 4 senior users in depth. However, of the 20 people we plan to interview, finding female users is particularly difficult.

In this presentation, we will share our experiences in connecting with Wikimedia users, focusing on the challenges encountered in finding female Wikipedians. Furthermore, we will discuss strategies to encourage the active participation of women from Mainland China in the Wikimedia global movement.

Relationship to ESEAP or to the theme[edit]

This presentation aligns closely with the theme of the ESEAP Conference 2024, "Collaboration Beyond the Horizon", highlighting the significance of knowledge equity and gender diversity in the Wikimedia movement. Gender imbalance restricts the voices of certain groups, impacting regional collaboration and knowledge diversity. As an integral part of the ESEAP region, the Chinese Wikimedia community faces the challenge of insufficient female user participation. Our presentation will address this issue and propose solutions, aiming to increase female engagement and enhance the knowledge diversity and equity.

Username/s[edit]

Speaker: HiNacny

Session type[edit]

Lightning talk

Duration[edit]

15 minutes

Session outcomes[edit]

This presentation will raise awareness among participants about the importance of gender balance in the Wikimedia global movement.
This presentation will provide insights into our dialogue process and the current situation with Wikimedia users in Mainland China.
This presentation will also shed light on the difficulties and challenges we encountered in seeking female Wikipedians in Mainland China.
This presentation will facilitate discussions among attendees on strategies to encourage active participation of female users from Mainland China in the Wikimedia global movement.
This presentation will discuss forms of participatory media movements. In the future, we plan to promote the forms of participatory media movements through activities like edit-a-thons and academic seminars, to attract female users to participate in editing and contributing to Wikimedia.
This presentation will be instrumental in seeking collaboration and support. We are striving for opportunities to work with relevant departments, institutions, or companies, in order to collectively enhance the development of Wikimedia in Mainland China and to provide more support and convenience for female users.