Wikimania@20: Inclusivity. Impact. Sustainability — A Personal Reflection on My Work in the Wikimedia Movement

As we approach the 20th anniversary of Wikimania, the theme of “Wikimania@20: Inclusivity. Impact. Sustainability” resonates deeply with my experience as a volunteer in the Wikimedia movement, particularly within the realm of gender equality. For me, these three words embody the essence of the work we do in the Wikipedia community and reflect the transformative power of collective action in shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.

Inclusivity: Breaking Barriers, One Edit at a Timea

When I first joined the Wikimedia movement, I was inspired by the open-source nature of Wikipedia and the idea that everyone could contribute their knowledge to the world. However, I quickly recognised a significant gap — one that is often invisible but is deeply felt by many: the gender gap. Wikipedia, like many spaces, has historically been dominated by male contributors, both in terms of content and participation. This skew has led to an underrepresentation of women and gender minorities in the encyclopedia’s articles, especially in areas such as women’s history, gender studies, and women in leadership roles.

For me, inclusivity isn’t just a matter of inviting more women to contribute; it’s about creating a culture where all voices are heard and valued. By actively participating in projects aimed at closing the gender gap, such as the Women in Red initiative, I’ve been able to contribute to creating a more balanced and representative Wikipedia. Through editing articles, organizing events, and supporting other volunteers, I’ve seen firsthand how inclusivity leads to a richer, more diverse body of knowledge.

Impact: Changing the Narrative for Future Generations

The impact of this work goes far beyond just improving Wikipedia’s content. It’s about ensuring that future generations have access to a more accurate and holistic understanding of the world — one that includes the stories, achievements, and contributions of all genders. When we make Wikipedia more inclusive, we help shape how the world sees itself, its history, and its potential.

Working on the gender gap project has not only been an eye-opening experience but also a deeply rewarding one. I’ve seen the direct impact of our efforts, with articles about women’s achievements gaining visibility and recognition. But the true power of this work lies in its ripple effect. Every article, every edit, and every conversation about gender on Wikipedia has the potential to influence how people think about gender equality, both online and offline. For me, this is what true impact looks like — empowering individuals to take control of the narrative and ensuring that future generations see themselves reflected in the knowledge that surrounds them.

Sustainability: Building a Lasting Change

Sustainability is at the heart of the Wikimedia movement. It’s not just about creating a repository of knowledge that lasts, but also about ensuring that our work continues to grow, evolve, and stay relevant. Closing the gender gap is not a one-time fix; it’s an ongoing effort that requires sustained commitment and engagement from all parts of the Wikimedia community.

For me, sustainability means nurturing an environment where diversity is seen as essential to the survival and success of Wikipedia. It’s about creating systems, networks, and resources that encourage new contributors to get involved and stay involved. Whether it’s through mentoring programs, partnerships with organizations focused on gender equality, or creating spaces for underrepresented voices to thrive, the work we do today lays the foundation for tomorrow’s knowledge ecosystem.

By actively participating in efforts that focus on gender inclusion and diversity, I believe we’re helping to build a more sustainable Wikimedia movement, one that reflects the values of inclusivity and impact for years to come.

The Road Ahead: Continuing the Journey

As we look ahead to Wikimania 2025 and reflect on the journey of the Wikimedia movement over the past 20 years, the themes of inclusivity, impact, and sustainability remain as relevant as ever. Our work is far from done. There are still many gaps to address, many voices to uplift, and many barriers to break down. But through continued collaboration, passion, and determination, I believe we can make a lasting difference.

For me, the gender gap is not just an issue to tackle — it’s a call to action, a reminder of the power of volunteerism and the importance of working together toward a common goal. As we celebrate 20 years of Wikimania, I am inspired by the community’s unwavering commitment to these ideals. Together, we can build a Wikipedia that truly reflects the diversity of the world and is inclusive, impactful, and sustainable for generations to come.