Feminism and Folklore 2025

Welcome to the Feminism and Folklore Writing Contest, an annual celebration of cultural diversity and gender inclusivity on Wikipedia. This contest invites passionate contributors to embark on a journey of documenting local cultural events, folk-related activities, and the often overlooked but significant contributions of women. As an integral part of the Wiki Loves Folklore (WLF) campaign, this project goes beyond the lens of photography, encouraging participants to craft compelling narratives through the creation and expansion of Wikipedia articles.

Background

Rooted in the ethos of collaborative knowledge creation, the Feminism and Folklore Writing Contest emerges as a response to the need for comprehensive coverage of local cultures, traditions, and the diverse roles women play within them. Folklore, a repository of stories, rituals, and customs, provides a unique lens into the heart of communities worldwide. This contest aims to weave these cultural threads into the fabric of Wikimedia projects by fostering the creation of new articles or expanding existing ones that explore the intersections of feminism and folklore.

Whether it's documenting the vibrant tapestry of local events, untold stories of women who have shaped folklore, or shedding light on age-old traditions, this contest empowers contributors to be storytellers and advocates for cultural preservation. Through the medium of Wikipedia, we seek to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, ensuring that their stories, both historical and contemporary, find a place in the global narrative.

Intangible cultural heritage serves as a powerful bridge between feminism and folklore, playing a pivotal role in addressing the gender gap within the realm of traditional knowledge on Wikipedia. This heritage encompasses the living expressions passed down through generations, including rituals, oral traditions, and performing arts. Recognizing the inherent connection between women and folklore, the documentation of intangible cultural heritage becomes a transformative act. By capturing the stories, practices, and artistic expressions often rooted in the experiences of women, we not only bridge the gender gap but also elevate the visibility of their contributions to cultural narratives. In weaving these intangible threads into Wikipedia articles, we strive to foster a more inclusive representation of folk cultures, empowering women as bearers and creators of cultural heritage, and enriching the global tapestry of knowledge.

Contest Details

This year, the Feminism and Folklore Writing Contest takes a focused approach, emphasizing feminism, women biographies, and gender-focused topics within the broader theme of Wiki Loves Folklore. The project aims to address gender gaps on Wikipedia by exploring the dynamic intersection of folk culture and diverse gender perspectives.

Themes and Topics

Folklore

Participants are encouraged to explore a myriad of folklore topics from around the world. The scope includes, but is not limited to, folk festivals, dances, music, activities, games, cuisine, traditional wear, fairy tales, plays, arts, religion, mythology, and more. Contributors have the opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of global traditions, capturing the essence of intangible cultural heritage.

Women in Folklore

This theme expands the narrative to spotlight the often-overlooked contributions of women and queer individuals in folk culture. Participants can explore the stories of folk artists, dancers, singers, musicians, game athletes, and delve into the portrayal of women in mythology, folklore, and fairy tales. Topics may include women warriors, witches, and examinations of gender roles within the rich fabric of folklore.

Timelines

Contest Start Date: 01/02/2025 00:00 UTC
Contest End Date: 31/03/2025 23:59 UTC

Participation Process

To participate in the Feminism and Folklore Writing Contest, individuals are encouraged to engage with their local Wikipedia communities. The process involves the following steps:

Local Organizers and Jury: A local Wikipedia organizer and jury are essential for effective participation. They play a crucial role in coordinating the contest locally, setting up campaigns, and overseeing the judging process. You can find the list of all participating wikipedias here. If your wiki is not in list you can organise too.
Fountain Tool and Project Tracking: Local organizers are encouraged to set up the Wikipedia campaign on the Fountain tool or utilize project tracking on dashboard tool. These tools enhance efficiency in monitoring and evaluating contributions.
Accessing Article List: Participants can access the list of articles relevant to feminism and folklore through a dedicated tool created for this purpose. This tool serves as a valuable resource for inspiration and guidance.
Article Creation or Expansion: Participants are invited to expand or create new articles on the designated themes within the specified timeline (1 February to 31 March). The aim is to contribute to the documentation of intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing feminism and folklore.

Local Judging Criteria/Rules

To maintain the quality and relevance of contributions, articles will be judged based on the following criteria:

Minimum Length: The expanded or new article should have a minimum of 4000 bytes or 400 words, ensuring sufficient depth and coverage of the chosen topic. The local organizers are free to choose the minimum length criteria as per needs of their local Wikipedia and must be clearly mention on local project page.
Language Quality: Articles should not be poorly machine-translated, ensuring that language quality and readability are maintained at a high standard.
Timeline of Creation or Expansion: The article should be created or expanded between 1 February and 31 March, aligning with the specified contest timeline.
Theme Relevance: Articles should directly address the theme of feminism and folklore, exploring connections between gender, cultural traditions, and intangible heritage.
No Orphaned Articles: Articles must not be orphaned, meaning they should be linked from at least one other article to ensure visibility within the Wikipedia ecosystem.
No Copyright violations: There should be no copyright violations, and articles should adhere to local Wikipedia policies on notability, ensuring that the content meets the standards for notability.
Adequate references and Citations: Each article should include proper references and citations following local Wikipedia policies, ensuring the reliability and credibility of the information presented.

Prizes and Recognition

We are excited to acknowledge and reward the outstanding efforts of participants in the Feminism and Folklore Writing Contest. Prizes will be awarded to the most accepted articles globally, showcasing exceptional contributions to the documentation of feminism and folklore on Wikipedia.

International Prizes TBD

Local Prizes

There will be local prizes for each of the 40 Wikipedia editions which have signed up for 2025 edition.

TBD

The Best Jury Article will be chosen by the jury based on how unique the article is aligned with the theme of Feminism and Folklore. The jury will review all submissions and decide the winner together, making sure it's fair.

(All prizes will be distributed in a form that aligns with the local currency, ensuring accessibility and ease for the recipients. The gift cards or vouchers will be from major brands, providing flexibility and a range of choices for the winners.)