Submissions/Building Wikimedia UK's profile and partnerships through the lens of equality and diversity

This is an Open submission for Wikimania 2017 that has not yet been reviewed by a member of the Programme Committee.

Submission no. 2075 Subject - C5 C2 GO

Title of the submission: Building Wikimedia UK's profile and partnerships through the lens of equality and diversity

Type of submission (lecture, panel, tutorial/workshop, roundtable discussion, lightning talk, poster, birds of a feather discussion): Lecture

Author of the submission: Lucy Crompton-Reid, Chief Executive of Wikimedia UK

Language of presentation: English

E-mail address: lucy.crompton-reid@wikimedia.org.uk

Username: LucyCrompton-Reid (WMUK)

Country of origin: UK

Affiliation, if any (organisation, company etc.): Wikimedia UK

Personal homepage or blog

Abstract (up to 300 words to describe your proposal): Wikimedia UK works in partnership with the cultural and education sectors to make knowledge freely available, usable and reusable online, with a focus on increasing coverage of underrepresented subjects. We are committed to building an inclusive online community and ensuring that the Wikimedia projects reflect our diverse society and are free from bias. The gender gap is therefore a key priority for the Chapter and underpins much of our work with partners, including our current Wikimedians in Residence at Bodleian Libraries, Edinburgh University, Hypatia Trust, National Library of Wales and Wellcome Library.; Over the past year we have sought out opportunities to increase the public profile and understanding of Wikimedia whilst raising awareness of the gender gap and other forms of systemic bias. I have spoken on various platforms including the WOW Festival, the Open Data Institute, MozFest 2016, OsCon 2016 and more recently OER17, where I gave a keynote speech; with this advocacy work building momentum and leading to new enquiries, speaking engagements and media interest. Myself and others have also been interviewed for both print and broadcast media, where we have highlighted the work of the movement and initiatives such as Art+Feminism and Women in Red to address the gender gap.; In December 2016, Wikimedia UK was delighted to play a key role in the BBC 100 Women project #100WomenWiki, which saw Wikimedia communities around the world participate in a multilingual, multi-location editathon to raise awareness of the gender gap on Wikipedia, improve coverage of women and encourage women to edit. In the UK, events took place at BBC sites in Cardiff, Glasgow, Reading and Broadcasting House in London, with the project attracting substantial radio, television, online and print media coverage worldwide.

What will attendees take away from this session?: During this presentation I will highlight the ways in which advocating for equality and diversity on Wikimedia and engaging with mainstream media has enabled Wikimedia UK to grow our profile and reach new potential partners. Volunteers, staff and trustees of Wikimedia’s organised groups will develop new insights into working with mainstream media to raise the profile of their own work, and developing partnerships that help to diversify Wikimedia’s content and contributors.

Theme of presentation: WikiCulture & Community

For workshops and discussions, what level is the intended audience?

Length of session (if other than 25 minutes, specify how long): 25 minutes

Will you attend Wikimania if your submission is not accepted?: Yes

Slides or further information (optional)

Special requests

Is this Submission a Draft or Final?

This is a Completed submission for Wikimania 2017 ready to be reviewed by a member of the Programme Committee.

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