WikiGap 2025

Event Description

WikiGap 2025, organized by Wikimedia Community Arusha in collaboration with local gender advocacy organizations, was part of a global initiative that aims to close the gender gap on Wikipedia. The event, held on International Women’s Day, focused on creating and improving articles about Tanzanian women leaders, professionals, historical figures, and organizations. Participants were introduced to editing tools, guided through article writing and referencing, and engaged in discussions about gender representation on Wikimedia projects.

Goals

Bridge the gender gap on Wikipedia by creating content about women.

Increase the number of female contributors in the Wikimedia movement.

Raise awareness on gender bias in digital knowledge platforms.

Strengthen capacity in research, writing, and editing among participants.

Foster partnerships with women’s rights organizations and academic institutions.

Number of Participants

The event brought together 35 participants, predominantly female, including students, librarians, and activists from local communities.

Event Outcomes

Content Creation:

72 new or improved Wikipedia articles about Tanzanian women.

Improved content on gender-related issues and women’s organizations.

Greater visibility for local female professionals, activists, and academics.

Community Engagement:

New contributors (particularly women) joined Wikimedia Community Arusha.

Participants expressed interest in continuing contributions beyond the event.

Shared stories of impact and motivation through social media outreach.

Capacity Building:

Attendees gained valuable skills in content creation, citation, and sourcing.

Distributed toolkits and guides on gender-sensitive editing.

Hands-on activities helped reduce fear or intimidation around editing Wikipedia.

Gender Gap Addressing:

Female participation increased by 80% compared to previous events.

Articles highlighting achievements of women in various sectors were prioritized.

Focused effort on including women from rural areas and minority backgrounds.

Strategic Partnerships:

Collaborations established with two gender equality-focused NGOs.

Plans developed for sustained engagement through schools and community centers.

A proposal drafted for an ongoing "Women in Knowledge" series with local media.

Event Learnings

Deliberate and safe spaces for women foster greater engagement.

Representation on Wikipedia can shift public narratives and recognition.

Continuous mentorship helps in editor retention and article quality.

Tailored resources and thematic article lists improve participation and output

Conclusion

WikiGap 2025 marked a milestone in Wikimedia Community Arusha’s efforts to reduce gender disparities in online knowledge. By spotlighting Tanzanian women and fostering an inclusive space for learning and contribution, the event demonstrated the power of collaborative action to create a more equitable and representative Wikimedia ecosystem.