Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon Organised at IIT Delhi with Aim to Address Gender Disparity on the Online Encyclopedia
New Delhi: Aimed at addressing gender disparities on Wikipedia, the Initiative for Gender Equity and Sensitisation (IGES) at IIT Delhi, in collaboration with the Institute’s office of Academic Outreach and New Initiatives (ONI), organized “Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon” on July 5, 2024.
According to a recently published thought-provoking article in Nature (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-01456-x), currently, only about 19% of the English-language Wikipedia’s 1.5 million biographies feature women. In line with these insights, the event aimed at addressing gender disparities on Wikipedia was organised.
Students from various schools in Delhi, including girl students who were part of the STEM Mentorship Programme organized by IIT Delhi; school students from Abu Dhabi, UAE; and students from Kendriya Vidyalaya, JNU, New Delhi, actively participated in content creation during the Edit-a-Thon.
The event provided an opportunity for the students from various demographics and schools to come together, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The enthusiasm and dedication of the young participants were truly inspiring.
Beyond enhancing Wikipedia’s coverage, the initiative offered students an invaluable opportunity to develop editing skills while contributing to a more diverse and inclusive representation on this influential platform. The students actively participated and engaged with the event, understanding the importance of representation and the impact their contributions could make.
The Edit-a-Thon not only addressed a pressing issue of gender disparity but also fostered a collaborative spirit towards building a more equitable digital landscape. The event’s success was evident in the sense of community and shared purpose among participants, offering a promising glimpse into the future of digital inclusivity.
The event also proved a platform to celebrate the accomplishments of the IIT Delhi female faculty members and an opportunity to recognize their contributions and inspire future generations. It also aimed to create and expand profiles of the Institute’s female faculty members on Wikipedia.