Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Africa Wiki Women Technical Support Grant (ID: 22828723)/Final Report
Application type: Standard application
Part 1: Project and impact
1. Describe the implemented activities and results achieved. Additionally, share which approaches were most effective in supporting you to achieve the results. (required)
The Africa Wiki Women Technical Research aims to address the significant underrepresentation of African women in the Wikimedia movement, both in content creation and leadership roles. Current data from platforms like Humaniki and the Wikimedia Foundation's 2024 reports underscore a persistent gender gap in representation. This gap is evident in low participation and retention rates, limited leadership opportunities, and a stark imbalance in content about African women on Wikipedia and its sister projects. Our initiative is a collaborative effort to co-create an inclusive Wikimedia ecosystem in Africa that empowers African women to become active editors, campaign organizers, and leaders in decision-making. To achieve this, we lead regional conversations, conduct focus group discussions, and design research surveys to develop strategies that advance gender equity, create a more representative African Wikimedia community, and strengthen the organizational structures of Africa Wiki Women. Implemented Activities: 1. Regional Conversation on Gender Gap in Wikimedia (December 20, 2024)
The Africa WikiWomen Technical Research conducted regional conversations in both the Anglophone and Francophone regions on December 20, 2024. The Anglophone session included 77 participants, while the Francophone session had 86 participants from diverse African regions. Building on these conversations, focus group discussions were held in the months of January, 2025 to gather in-depth insights. The Francophone focus group took place from January 10–17, 2025, with 12 participants from Senegal, Benin, Congo, Burkina Faso, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, Niger, Guinee Cornakry, Gabon and Cameroon countries, and the Anglophone focus group took place from January 17–30, 2025, with 11 participants from … countries. These sessions were designed to ensure that women were provided a safe space to pour out their issues and provide recommendations that are relevant to addressing their concerns.
The focus group participants originated from countries such as Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinée Conakry, Madagascar, Mali, Senegal, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. These active wikimedia women provided valuable perspectives from their work with women in their communities, all while upholding strict standards of privacy and confidentiality.
The sessions were conducted via Zoom, supported by presentation tools and real-time transcription services. Qualitative data was analyzed with Taguette, supplemented by descriptive analysis and visualizations on spreadsheets, charts, and infographics. 2. Community Survey & Data Collection Surveys were distributed to African Wikimedians to identify barriers and opportunities for women in Wikimedia’s technical space, collecting valuable data on gender gaps, participation levels, and the skills needed for technical growth. We received 171 responses, providing a clearer understanding of the challenges women face and helping to shape targeted capacity-building initiatives and strategies to enhance their engagement in technical roles within the movement.
3.Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) Focus group discussions (FGDs) with 23 participants from Anglophone and Francophone Wikimedia communities were held from January 10 to 31, along with interviews with Wikimedia organizers, to explore challenges and opportunities in bridging the gender gap in Wikimedia’s technical space.The discussion brought together gender advocates from countries such as Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinée Conakry, Madagascar, Mali, Senegal, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. These discussions provided valuable insights into best practices, barriers to participation, and effective strategies to enhance women's engagement and support in technical roles within the movement. 4.Documentation & Knowledge Sharing The findings were compiled into a research report highlighting key technical challenges and potential solutions to enhance women's participation in Wikimedia’s technical spaces. Results Achieved Increased Awareness and Engagement
Engaged 357 participants across different Wikimedia communities.
Strengthened networks among women contributors and leaders.
Identified Technical Barriers and Opportunities
Highlighted major technical challenges women face, including lack of mentorship, skills training, and access to advanced tools.
Identified potential partnerships and programs to support women in technical Wikimedia roles.
Recommendations for Future Interventions
Mentorship, Capacity Building, and Editing Campaigns:
Introduce mentorship programs that support women based on their expertise in wiki projects, along with capacity-building workshops tailored to their specific needs. Develop editing campaigns that align with women’s interests or professional backgrounds to encourage greater participation.
Collaborations and Broader Engagement:
Partner with external media and gender-focused organizations to improve access to reliable secondary sources and secure external funding. These collaborations will help co-create initiatives that launch new campaigns for women in the wiki space and recruit new editors from partner organizations. Additionally, expand efforts to include Wikimedia projects beyond Wikipedia, such as Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons, and MediaWiki development.
Important link-
Research Report- https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Africa_Wiki_Women_Technical_Research/Report
Technical research meta page- https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Africa_Wiki_Women_Technical_Research
2. Documentation of your impact. Please use space below to share links that help tell your story, impact, and evaluation. (required)
Share links to:
- Project page on Meta-Wiki or any other Wikimedia project
- Dashboards and tools that you used to track contributions
- Some photos or videos from your event. Remember to share access.
You can also share links to:
- Important social media posts
- Surveys and their results
- Infographics and sound files
- Examples of content edited on Wikimedia projects
Technical Research Meta page - https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Africa_Wiki_Women_Technical_Research
Some photos - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Africa_Wiki_Women_Technical_Research
General Regional Call - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Tky7rq6xNk9EiQj2-R17HaGnC0a4MMQL?usp=sharing
Surveys and their results
Google Survey link- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uPd90jucB05rF1_TYldJUnRZYz65DeHQso0AisPnNhE/edit
Official Data Set (English) - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12pfGfAXWwqEFTz8GO78u9QsFHB-IWRACYO7E7JIzu0Y/edit?gid=0#gid=0
AWW Technical Analysis Report 2025.docx - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o6q9yiHvtG5zP_4_HLM56SZn_42SRfD2/edit
Folder for Summary of Conversations AWW Technical Research - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11UF6sxWMpcWVS-p_wksP-fSS3mCwCYNE?usp=sharing
Infographics and sound file: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Africa_Wiki_Women_Technical_Research
Important social media posts
instagram:https://www.instagram.com/p/DDhIXqVooZ_/?igsh=MWdkbWxqdGxlZGtrOA==
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/posts/africa-wiki-women_africawikiwomen-wikimedia-activity-7272288429172768768-FoOO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAACLKMOYB-JL9RXj1cvVzS24WKdJHOe9ftMY
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B9Uqcj7fa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Additionally, share the materials and resources that you used in the implementation of your project. (required)
For example:
- Training materials and guides
- Presentations and slides
- Work processes and plans
- Any other materials your team has created or adapted and can be shared with others
Presentations and slides https://www.mentimeter.com/app/presentation/alykg3fsyoqjpaerfwfc3wty87zkjqzd/edit?source=share-modal (English slide )
https://www.menti.com/alj157vxvhwy (Participants Copy)
https://www.mentimeter.com/app/presentation/alp2ubu2k4bwvy5brz7v38g8r49gnpxn/edit?source=share-invite-modal (Editors Copy)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YFj7h5UWz9J_ZVy_iAIcKGSwUdMsxUh8/view?usp=sharing (French )
Any other materials your team has created or adapted and can be shared with others
Registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yb1m4ByKVdBbHp_b-YqMPvR3sw51KprVuBtI6yFFc5k/edit
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Africa_Wiki_Women_Technical_Research/Report
3. To what extent do you agree with the following statements regarding the work carried out with this Rapid Fund? You can choose “not applicable” if your work does not relate to these goals. Required. Select one option per question. (required)
| A. Bring in participants from underrepresented groups | Agree |
| B. Create a more inclusive and connected culture in our community | Agree |
| C. Develop content about underrepresented topics/groups | Not applicable |
| D. Develop content from underrepresented perspectives | Agree |
| E. Encourage the retention of editors | Agree |
| F. Encourage the retention of organizers | Agree |
| G. Increased participants' feelings of belonging and connection to the movement | Agree |
| F. Other (optional) |
Part 2: Learning
4. In your application, you outlined some learning questions. What did you learn from these learning questions when you implemented your project? How do you hope to use this learnings in the future? You can recall these learning questions below. (required)
You can recall these learning questions below: What specific barriers hinder African women from participating as editors and leaders within the Wikimedia movement?We want to identify the systemic and cultural obstacles that African women face in gaining visibility and representation. What lessons can we learn from existing women-led Wikimedia initiatives across Africa that can inform our strategic direction? We hope to identify best practices and successful approaches from similar initiatives to avoid redundancy and enhance our impact.
How effective are our initiatives in increasing the engagement and leadership of African women in Wikimedia?We will evaluate the success of our programs, workshops, and strategic discussions in empowering women to take on more prominent roles.
What strategies can be developed to ensure that the voices and perspectives of African women are effectively represented in Wikimedia content?We aim to discover how we can amplify African women’s contributions to the global knowledge base and ensure their experiences and viewpoints are included.
What organizational structures and processes are necessary to sustain Africa Wiki Women and enhance its impact?Understanding the governance and management strategies that will support long-term growth and sustainability will be crucial.
Identify opportunities that Africa Wiki Women can address strategic nitch
What specific barriers hinder African women from participating as editors and leaders within the Wikimedia movement? According to responses gathered from the focus group discussions and surveys conducted, women in the African region face the following challenges that have prevented them from contributing to Wikimedia projects. Systemic and Resource Barriers: A major challenge is the unavailability of essential resources needed to participate in Wikimedia activities. Many women mentioned the lack of funding to organize or attend events, struggle with poor internet connectivity, and do not have access to quality devices such as mobile phones, cameras, and laptops. Additionally, time constraints due to work, family, and domestic responsibilities limit their ability to engage fully. The lack of childcare support further restricts women's participation, especially for those with young children. Cultural and Social Norms: Even when women are willing to contribute, cultural and societal expectations often discourage their involvement. Traditional gender roles restrict women’s decision-making power, particularly in conservative communities. Married women, in particular, are expected to focus on family responsibilities, making it challenging for them to engage in Wikimedia activities. Additionally, gender stereotypes create hesitancy among women to interact with male counterparts, limiting their opportunities for collaboration and learning. Lack of Awareness and Mentorship: Many women, especially in rural areas, are unaware of Wikimedia projects and the opportunities they offer. Misconceptions about Wikimedia’s reliability and editing process further discourage participation. Additionally, the absence of female mentors and role models makes many women feel less confident in their ability to contribute. Without strong mentorship and motivation, their engagement remains minimal. Challenges in Accessing Reliable Information: A significant barrier to content creation on Wikimedia projects is the lack of credible sources about women’s achievements. Many notable women are undocumented in publicly available resources, making it difficult to add verified content. This lack of references discourages women from contributing and further deepens the gender gap in Wikimedia content. Gender Stereotypes: Gender stereotypes discourage women from interacting with men, making it difficult for them to seek advice or collaborate in Wikimedia activities. In many communities, societal norms create barriers that limit women’s participation, reinforcing feelings of exclusion. Additionally, shyness and fear of engaging with male contributors further restrict their involvement, reducing opportunities for learning, mentorship, and contribution to Wikimedia projects.
What lessons can we learn from existing women-led Wikimedia initiatives across Africa that can inform our strategic direction?
From existing Women-led Wikimedia Initiatives across Africa, we learned that community-driven approaches, mentorship, and localized training are key to increasing women's participation in Wikimedia. These initiatives also highlight the importance of mentorship programs, where experienced women guide newcomers, boosting their confidence in editing and leadership. Additionally, we learned that customized training materials in local languages and culturally relevant formats help bridge knowledge gaps and improve accessibility. Collaborations with universities, libraries, and gender advocacy groups have also been effective in expanding outreach and ensuring sustainability. Furthermore, recognition and incentives, such as awards or leadership opportunities, have proven to motivate women to remain engaged and take on more active roles in the movement. To strengthen these efforts, we aim to develop tools to acknowledge and measure the impact of women's contributions, ensuring their work is recognized and valued. We also plan to appoint more Wiki Women Ambassadors globally to provide leadership and representation. Leveraging mass media, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives will be key to empowering more women. Additionally, we will develop and prioritize women-led campaigns and initiatives that directly address women's issues, fostering inclusivity and relevance. Finally, we recognize the need to ensure consistency, patience, and tolerance in women-focused initiatives to achieve sustainable impact in bridging the gender gap across Wikimedia projects.
We hope to identify best practices and successful approaches from similar initiatives to avoid redundancy and enhance our impact.
How effective are our initiatives in increasing the engagement and leadership of African women in Wikimedia?
We will evaluate the success of our programs, workshops, and strategic discussions in empowering women to take on more prominent roles.
What strategies can be developed to ensure that the voices and perspectives of African women are effectively represented in Wikimedia content?
We aim to discover how we can amplify African women’s contributions to the global knowledge base and ensure their experiences and viewpoints are included.
5. Did anything unexpected or surprising happen when implementing your activities? This can include both positive and negative situations. What did you learn from those experiences? (required)
The positive was the great turnout out in participation in the research, especially the regional conversations
6. What is your plan to share your project learnings and results with other community members? If you have already done it, describe how. (required)
Publishing a Research Report—A comprehensive report highlighting key findings, challenges, and recommendations was shared on Meta-Wiki. We also plan to share on Wikimedia mailing lists, Diff, and relevant community platforms.
Hosting Community Webinars – We will organize virtual knowledge-sharing sessions where researchers and participants discuss the insights gathered, allowing for interactive discussions and feedback.
Presentations at Wikimedia Conferences – We aim to present our findings at Wikimania, WikiIndaba, and regional conferences, providing a platform for broader engagement and networking.
Leveraging Social Media and Blogs – Summaries of key findings and recommendations will be shared on social media platforms, Diff blogs, and affiliate websites to reach a wider audience.
We have shared some of the insights on platforms such as the Wiki in Africa Hour podcast. Additionally, we will engage with gender-focused groups to integrate our learnings into their ongoing efforts. Through all of these initiatives, we hope to strengthen collective impact and create sustainable solutions that address the gender gap in Wikimedia in Africa.
Part 3: Metrics
7. Wikimedia Metrics results. (required)
In your application, you set some Wikimedia targets in numbers (Wikimedia metrics). In this section, you will describe the achieved results and provide links to the tools used.
| Target | Results | Comments and tools used | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 90 | 357 | Event metrics. We counted the number of participants for each event organized.
Focus group discussion, regional conversation, research survey |
| Number of editors | 60 | 357 | Event metrics. We counted the number of participants for each event organized. All participants were editors from the region.
Focus group discussion, regional conversation, research survey |
| Number of organizers | 8 | 8 |
| Wikimedia project | Target | Result - Number of created pages | Result - Number of improved pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wikipedia | |||
| Wikimedia Commons | |||
| Wikidata | |||
| Wiktionary | |||
| Wikisource | |||
| Wikimedia Incubator | |||
| Translatewiki | |||
| MediaWiki | |||
| Wikiquote | |||
| Wikivoyage | |||
| Wikibooks | |||
| Wikiversity | |||
| Wikinews | |||
| Wikispecies | |||
| Wikifunctions or Abstract Wikipedia |
8. Other Metrics results.
In your proposal, you could also set Other Metrics targets. Please describe the achieved results and provide links to the tools used if you set Other Metrics in your application.
| Other Metrics name | Metrics Description | Target | Result | Tools and comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partnerships/Collaborations | 5 partnerships established
Details: This includes formal partnerships with Wikimedia affiliates, and local institutions aimed at promoting women’s involvement in Wikimedia projects. |
5 | 11 | We received support from groups who showed us in our focus group discussions and participated in the research |
9. Did you have any difficulties collecting data to measure your results? (required)
No
9.1. Please state what difficulties you had. How do you hope to overcome these challenges in the future? Do you have any recommendations for the Foundation to support you in addressing these challenges? (required)
Part 4: Financial reporting
[edit]10. Please state the total amount spent in your local currency. (required)
78866.4
11. Please state the total amount spent in US dollars. (required)
5009
12. Report the funds spent in the currency of your fund. (required)
Provide the link to the financial report https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ywl_DRrG8HYh71Qx8ItrNpAuuZakl_jS/edit?gid=1911336772#gid=1911336772
12.2. If you have not already done so in your financial spending report, please provide information on changes in the budget in relation to your original proposal. (optional)
13. Do you have any unspent funds from the Fund?
No
13.1. Please list the amount and currency you did not use and explain why.
N/A
13.2. What are you planning to do with the underspent funds?
N/A
13.3. Please provide details of hope to spend these funds.
N/A
14.1. Are you in compliance with the terms outlined in the fund agreement?
Yes
14.2. Are you in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in the grant agreement?
Yes
14.3. Are you in compliance with provisions of the United States Internal Revenue Code (“Code”), and with relevant tax laws and regulations restricting the use of the Funds as outlined in the grant agreement? In summary, this is to confirm that the funds were used in alignment with the WMF mission and for charitable/nonprofit/educational purposes.
No
15. If you have additional recommendations or reflections that don’t fit into the above sections, please write them here. (optional)
As a community working with members across multiple countries, receiving funds in local currency proved to be a challenge. The primary issue was that currency conversion rates fluctuated, often resulting in recipients receiving less than the intended amount. Additionally, transferring smaller amounts across different countries meant dealing with varied exchange rates, which further complicated transactions. Since our work is international rather than localized, handling funds in local currency was not practical for our operations. We will like to recommend that in future funds are received in USD to maintain the value of the currency.
Review notes
[edit]Review notes from Program Officer:
N/A
Applicant's response to the review feedback.
N/A