WikiWomen* Lunch

WikiWomen* Lunch is an informal event organized at various Wikimedia conferences to gather women, gender minorities, and allies who are part of the Wikimedia movement. It's intent is to provide a safe and inclusive space to share experiences, inspire, build solidarity, and discuss gender equity in Wikimedia projects.
Often held during larger Wikimedia conferences, the lunch acts as a catalyst to build connections and encourages collaboration on gender-related initiatives across the movement. Past the Wiki Women Camp 2023, we have adapted the term Wiki Women* as an umbrella term to symbolize the inclusion of not just women but gender diverse individuals too in different Wikimedia spaces.

🕰️ History and Evolution

2007 to 2010: Informal gatherings of WikiChix group started.

2011: The inaugural event, known as the WikiChix Lunch, formally took place during Wikimania 2011.
2012: The gathering was rebranded as the WikiWomen Lunch at Wikimania in Washington D.C., reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity. In London, over 60 women participated, underscoring the growing significance. And slowly it started gaining more interest and participation in various Wikimedia Conferences and gatherings.

🌍 Purpose and Significance

The WikiWomen* Lunch serves as a platform for women in the Wikimedia community to:

Network and build supportive relationships.
Discuss challenges and strategies related to gender equity in Wikimedia projects.
Celebrate achievements and contributions of Wiki women editors and contributors.

These gatherings have inspired many initiatives that aim to encourage and support women and diverse participation across Wikimedia projects.

📸 Cultural Impact

A photograph from the 2012 WikiWomen Lunch influenced the design of the WikiWomen's Collaborative logo. The image, depicting women forming a window with their hands, symbolizes shared vision and collaboration. Designer Heather Walls noted, "Looking through our hands creates a sort of window we share," encapsulating the spirit of unity and inclusivity.

📅 Highlights from Recent Gatherings

2025:

The WikiWomen's Lunch was part of the WikiWomen* Summit 2025 at Wikimania in Nairobi, Kenya (6-9 August 2025), focusing on celebrating the progress of women in the Wikimedia movement.

WikiWomen* Lunch/EduWiki Conference 2025 at the EduWiki Conference 2025 in Bogotá, Colombia (May 30-June 1) was an informal gathering for women and gender-diverse contributors, educators, and allies within the Wikimedia and education communities.
The WikiWomen's Lunch was part of the Central Asian WikiCon 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan focusing on challenges faced by Wikiwomen in the Central Asia region.

2024: The WikiWomen summit 2024 at Wikimania in Kraków, Poland, emphasizing workshops and collaborative strategies to enhance gender equity within the Wikimedia community.

2023: The WikiWomen's Lunch was part of the WikiWomen Summit 2023 at Wikimania in Singapore, focusing on strategies to close the gender gap and build an inclusive Wikimedia movement.

2018: Held at Wikimania in Cape Town, South Africa, the lunch continued its tradition of fostering community among women contributors.

2014: The lunch