The Wikimedians of the United Arab Emirates User Group hosted a virtual meetup on May 31, 2024, bringing together Wikimedians for an evening of networking and exciting announcements. The agenda centered around the user group’s strategic roadmap for the next two years, outlining a series of initiatives designed to strengthen Wikipedia’s Arabic content and empower local editors.
The UAE Wikimedians User Group’s roadmap prioritizes the growth and enrichment of Arabic Wikimedia projects. Key areas of focus include:
- Localize Campaigns to Address Knowledge Gaps
The meetup unveiled two exciting localized campaigns designed to enrich Wikimedia projects with diverse perspectives:
- SheSaid in MENA: This campaign, a localized adaptation of the global “SheSaid” initiative, will focus on increasing content on Wikiquote related to amplifying the voices of women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
- “One Librarian, One Editor” program, renamed “One Editor, One Reference” This program provides support to editors, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of Wikipedia articles by fostering a culture of proper citation.
- Bridge the Gender Gap: By fostering Initiatives that aim to increase female participation in Wikimedia projects, both as editors and contributors.
- Emirati Women’s Day Edit-a-Thon: This initiative aims to add more Wiki contributions about Emirati Women, highlighting their achievements and contributions to society.
1 Million Wiki Project: A Groundbreaking Collaboration
The virtual meetup served as a platform to announce a groundbreaking collaboration between the UAE Wikimedians User Group and the Emirates Literature Foundation. The ambitious “1 Million Wiki Project”, which will launch in August, aims to publish a staggering 1 million contributions to Wikipedia over the next two years. This project has the potential to significantly expand the Arabic digital knowledge base and provide financial support to volunteers and contributors from different Wikimedia projects, who have ambitious goals to enrich these platforms but lack the financial means to do so.
A Thriving Wikimedia Community in the UAE
The virtual meetup was filled with the enthusiasm and dedication of the attendees, reflecting the UAE’s thriving Wikimedian community. The strategic direction outlined by the user group demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, knowledge creation, and empowering local editors. With these initiatives in place, the Wikimedians of UAE User Group is poised to make a significant impact on Wikimedia projects in the years to come.
Selected photos from the Meetup
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