Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/SheSaid 2024 Event:African Women Academics (ID: 22824131)
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Applicant Details
[edit]- Main Wikimedia username. (required)
Ebubechukwu1
- Organization
N/A
- If you are a group or organization leader, board member, president, executive director, or staff member at any Wikimedia group, affiliate, or Wikimedia Foundation, you are required to self-identify and present all roles. (required)
N/A
- Describe all relevant roles with the name of the group or organization and description of the role. (required)
Main Proposal
[edit]- 1. Please state the title of your proposal. This will also be the Meta-Wiki page title.
SheSaid 2024 Event:African Women Academics
- 2. and 3. Proposed start and end dates for the proposal.
2024-11-30 - 2024-12-31
- 4. Where will this proposal be implemented? (required)
Nigeria
- 5. Are your activities part of a Wikimedia movement campaign, project, or event? If so, please select the relevant project or campaign. (required)
SheSaid
- 6. What is the change you are trying to bring? What are the main challenges or problems you are trying to solve? Describe this change or challenges, as well as main approaches to achieve it. (required)
African women academics have long been inspirational figures, playing a pivotal role in shaping education, research, and the empowerment of future generations. They have broken barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields, becoming leading voices in disciplines such as science, literature, history, economics, and education. These women not only advance knowledge but also serve as vital role models, representing African women in global academic spaces and exemplifying resilience and achievement.
Beyond their scholarly contributions, the words and ideas of these women resonate with wisdom, perseverance, and vision. Their quotes often reflect a deep commitment to education as a tool for empowerment and social change. One such figure is Professor Olanike Adeyemo, a renowned Nigerian academic whose contributions have left a lasting impact on both education and society. She once said, “Education is the foundation of transformation; through it, we not only shape minds but build futures.” Her words encapsulate the essential role African women academics play—not only as educators but as visionaries, guiding and uplifting future generations.
Despite these remarkable contributions, there remains a significant gap in the representation of African women academics on Wikiquote, especially those who have made profound impacts on education and research in Africa. Our research reveals that over 100 notable African women academics, each with a Wikipedia page, are currently absent from Wikiquote (https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/SheSaid_2024_Event:_African_Women_Academics). This lack of representation diminishes the recognition of their work and limits their ability to inspire others through their powerful words.
To address the gap and ensure that the voices of African women academics are properly acknowledged and accessible, we have outlined key strategies that will guide the success of this project:
Awareness and Advocacy Outreach: Our primary objective is to raise awareness about the underrepresentation of African women academics on Wikiquote. We will launch targeted campaigns through webinars and social media, focusing on the importance of preserving their voices. These efforts will engage students, women, and the general public, highlighting Wikiquote’s role in promoting gender equality and safeguarding cultural heritage.
Content Creation and Enhancement: We will organize activities such as editing campaigns,in-person and online training sessions, and edit-a-thons. These initiatives will empower both new and experienced editors to create new Wikiquote articles and improve existing ones, thereby bridging the representation gap. By ensuring high-quality contributions, we aim to document the voices of these women, making their quotes more visible and accessible to a global audience.
This project will greatly enhance the representation and visibility of African women academics on Wikiquote. By doing so, it will inspire both current and future generations, enrich Wikiquote with diverse and inclusive perspectives, and promote gender equality. Through collaboration, advocacy, and strategic engagement, we are creating a lasting legacy that will benefit researchers, educators, and anyone seeking inspiration from these remarkable women.
- 7. What are the planned activities? (required) Please provide a list of main activities. You can also add a link to the public page for your project where details about your project can be found. Alternatively, you can upload a timeline document. When the activities include partnerships, include details about your partners and planned partnerships.
1) Creating Awareness About the Event: Our strategy for raising awareness adopts an engaging approach. We will distribute digital materials—such as posters and flyers—across social media platforms and online community forums of our target audience. In addition, we will create a WhatsApp group for participants, providing a space for real-time discussions, resource sharing, and ongoing communication. This group will ensure active engagement before, during, and after the event.
2)Community Collaboration and Engagement: We will build on our existing collaboration with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Nigeria Chapter, with whom we previously partnered with during the African Women in Education Wikiquote project. FAWE will help in mobilizing new editors for our webinars, edit-a-thons, and training sessions, leveraging their resources and extensive network of girls, women, and advocates for women’s education across Africa. This will maximize the project’s reach and impact. This collaboration will not only sustain momentum but also ensure ongoing contributions to both the SheSaid Campaign and Wikiquote.
3)Physical Training and Edit-a-Thon (Day 1):The event will begin with an interactive introduction to emphasize the significance, objectives, and expected outcomes of the event. This will provide a foundation for a series of structured training sessions designed to equip participants with the foundational skills for editing Wikiquote. These hands-on sessions will focus on two core areas:
1. Wikiquote Editing Policies and Guidelines: Participants will be introduced to the key principles and best practices for Wikiquote editing, including:
- General editing policies
- Understanding quotability guidelines
- Standards for reliable sourcing and citations
2. Improving Wikiquote Pages: This segment will provide participants with practical skills to improve and clean up existing Wikiquote pages of these women by:
- Properly Categorizing pages
- Adding images to enhance pages
- Correcting errors and fixing broken links
- Expanding article stubs by adding new quotes
- Expanding existing pages by incorporating additional sections such as External Links(adding more external links)
Following the training sessions, participants will engage in an Edit-a-Thon, where they will apply their new skills under the guidance of experienced trainers. This hands-on experience will foster collaboration and enable participants to edit and improve Wikiquote pages of african women academics in a supportive environment.This approach ensures participants have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, enhancing their capacity to make high quality contributions to Wikiquote.
3)Physical Training and Edit-a-Thon (Day 2):Building on the foundational knowledge from Day 1, this hands-on training will focus on creating new Wikiquote pages for African women academics. The interactive training sessions are designed to ensure participants feel confident in their ability to create new pages on Wikiquote. Key areas of focus include:
1.Using the Wikiquote Template for Quotes by People: Participants will learn how to properly format and structure pages using the standard Wikiquote template.
2. Creating New Wikiquote Pages: Participants will be trained the step-by-step through the process of creating new Wikiquote pages. Emphasis will be placed on:
- Attention to detail, accuracy, and neutrality
- Selecting and citing reliable sources
- Ensuring all quotes meet the quotability guidelines
Following the training, will be an Edit-a-Thon that will allow participants to apply their new skills by creating Wikiquote pages under the guidance of experienced trainers.This approach will empower participants to create high-quality Wikiquote pages that bridges the gap with confidence and accuracy.
4)Virtual Training (Online Follow-Up Session):The Virtual Training serves as a structured continuation of skill development, providing participants with the opportunity to refine their Wikiquote editing skills. Led by experienced facilitators, this session builds on the foundational knowledge from previous workshops. With a focus on improving wikiquote editing proficiency. This session highlights our commitment to continuous learning and growth, equipping participants with the skills and insights needed to achieve the project’s goals.
5) Contest: The event will conclude with an online contest aimed at engaging participants in closing the content gap on quotes by African women academics on Wikiquote. Prizes, in the form of gift vouchers, will be awarded for exceptional and high-quality contributions across several categories: Top Three Contributors, Best New Editor, and Outstanding Female Contributor. This initiative is designed to inspire ongoing involvement in Wikiquote and SheSaid projects, encouraging participants to remain active and motivated beyond the event.
- 8. Describe your team. Please provide their roles, Wikimedia Usernames and other details. (required) Include more details of the team, including their roles, usernames, Wikimedia group, and whether they are salaried, volunteers, consultants/contractors, etc. Team members involved in the grant application need to be aware of their involvement in the project.
Ebubechukwu1 (Project Lead):I am an editor, trainer, and Kiwix Ambassador, I will serve as Project Lead. I have spearheaded major training programs, including Wiki Glam Lagos and Wikipedia Awareness for youth corps members. Notably, I served as Project Lead for the African Women in Education Wikiquote project , SheSaid 2023 Event in Nigeria and AfroLiterature:Quotes from African Literatures. I will take on the responsibility of overseeing all aspects of this project, ensuring that every component aligns seamlessly with our goals. Additionally, I will lead the training sessions, providing guidance and mentorship to editors throughout the edit-a-thon to foster a collaborative and productive event.
Tochiprecious (Co-Facilitator): She will be the anchor the online training sessions, drawing on her extensive experience as a Wikipedian, Wikiquote editor, and trainer. As the lead for SheSaid activities within the Igbo User Group, she has developed a strong ability to mentor and guide new editors. In addition to assisting the Project Lead in creating training materials, she will facilitate editing workshops and provide hands-on support to participants. Her unique combination of technical expertise and training experience makes her an essential team member to the success of this event.
Kingaustin07 (Co-Facilitator and Jury): He is an experienced Wikiquote editor and trainer, having co-facilitated AfroLiterature: Quotes from African Literature. He has also participated in and won recognition in notable Wikiquote editing campaigns, including the SheSaid 2022 and 2023 events. In this project, he will serve as a co-facilitator under volunteer capacity, leading training sessions and offering valuable mentorship to participants during the edit-a-thon. As a jury member, he will also help evaluate participants' contributions, ensuring that they meet Wikiquote’s quality standards.
- 9. Who are the target participants and from which community? How will you engage participants before and during the activities? How will you follow up with participants after the activities? (required)
Target Participants: Our target audience are Women,girls,existing Wikimedian editors and anyone interested in contributing to Wikiquote in Nigeria and across Africa.
Recruitment and Engagement: To recruit and engage participants, we will leverage our networks with Wikimedia groups and the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE). We will distribute e-flyers, short videos, learning resources, and training materials across these channels to raise awareness and encourage participation.
Prior to the event, we will host pre-activity webinars and orientation sessions to familiarize potential participants with the event’s goals, expectations, and structure. These sessions will provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions, clarify doubts, and feel confident about their involvement. Additionally, an online registration form will be shared to enroll new editors and participants, ensuring a smooth transition from recruitment to active engagement. A WhatsApp group will also be created to facilitate communication, offer ongoing support, and keep participants updated throughout the event.
During the Event: Throughout the event, my team and I will play an active role in training participants on Wikiquote editing, focusing on key areas such as article creation, improvement, proper citation, and sourcing standards. We will provide hands-on guidance to ensure participants understand and apply these skills effectively. To further support participants, the already created WhatsApp group will serve as a platform for asking questions, addressing challenges, and sharing feedback throughout the event. In this collaborative and supportive environment, we will closely monitor contributions to maintain high-quality standards. Our goal is to empower editors to expand Wikiquote’s coverage of quotes from notable women, ensuring their voices are accurately represented and preserved.
Post-Event Sustainability: Our commitment to participants extends well beyond the event itself. To ensure sustained engagement, we will invite participants to join the Wikiquote and SheSaid editing communities, keeping them informed of future projects and opportunities for contribution. This will foster continued involvement in both Wikiquote and future SheSaid projects.
Additionally, we will leverage our created WhatsApp group for ongoing support, follow-up questions, and virtual meet-ups. This platform will serve as a direct line of communication between participants and the project team, ensuring timely feedback and sustaining a sense of community among contributors.
To further strengthen post-event engagement, we will organize regular virtual workshops, provide mentorship, and share content challenges to keep participants motivated and engaged. A post-event survey will also be conducted to gather feedback, identify areas for improvement, and tailor future training sessions to better meet participants' needs.
Through these efforts, we aim to create a supportive, active community where participants can continue to grow as Wikiquote editors and editors for the SheSaid drive.
- 10. Does your project involve work with children or youth? (required)
Yes
- 10.1. Please provide a link to your Youth Safety Policy. (required) If the proposal indicates direct contact with children or youth, you are required to outline compliance with international and local laws for working with children and youth, and provide a youth safety policy aligned with these laws. Read more here.
Our commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our activities is paramount. We strictly adhere to the Wikimedia Youth Safety Policy, which complies with both international and local laws to safeguard young people online and offline.
At the beginning of each event, we will read and summarize the key points of the Wikimedia Youth Safety Policy to ensure all participants are aware of its guidelines. Additionally, we will provide copies of the youth safety plan to all attendees for easy reference. Our team will rigorously follow these protocols throughout the event to protect the safety of all participants, particularly youth. The full Wikimedia Youth Safety Policy can be accessed here: [1].
After each event, we will actively gather feedback from participants through surveys and discussions to assess the effectiveness of our safety measures and identify areas for improvement. We will also maintain communication through platforms like our WhatsApp group to provide ongoing support and address any concerns.
Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive environment for everyone involved, with the Wikimedia Youth Safety Policy serving as the foundation for promoting the well-being and protection of youth throughout our events.
- 11. How did you discuss the idea of your project with your community members and/or any relevant groups? Please describe steps taken and provide links to any on-wiki community discussion(s) about the proposal. (required) You need to inform the community and/or group, discuss the project with them, and involve them in planning this proposal. You also need to align the activities with other projects happening in the planned area of implementation to ensure collaboration within the community.
The announcement of this project has been made on the Wikimedia User Group Nigeria discussion page to inform the community about the goals and objectives of this project, and to solicit their support, comments, and recommendations via this link [2]
- 12. Does your proposal aim to work to bridge any of the content knowledge gaps (Knowledge Inequity)? Select one option that most apply to your work. (required)
Content Gender gap
- 13. Does your proposal include any of these areas or thematic focus? Select one option that most applies to your work. (required)
Gender and diversity
- 14. Will your work focus on involving participants from any underrepresented communities? Select one option that most apply to your work. (required)
Ethnic/racial/religious or cultural background
- 15. In what ways do you think your proposal most contributes to the Movement Strategy 2030 recommendations. Select one that most applies. (required)
Invest in Skills and Leadership Development
Learning and metrics
[edit]- 17. What do you hope to learn from your work in this project or proposal? (required)
In this project, we aim to achieve several key learning outcomes that will contribute to both the immediate success and long-term sustainability of the project:
1)Refining Wikiquote Editing Skills: Through hands-on participation, we aim to enhance our editing skills by focusing on best practices for article creation, content improvement, accurate citation, and adherence to sourcing standards. These skills will elevate the quality of our contributions and improve our expertise as Wikiquote editors and trainers.
2)Building Community Engagement and Collaboration: We seek to learn effective strategies for engaging diverse communities, onboarding new editors, and collaborating with partners such as the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE). Building strong, lasting relationships with these communities is crucial for the project’s success and growth.
3)Developing Project Management and Leadership: As project leaders, we aim to strengthen our skills in managing the project lifecycle, including planning, time management, resource allocation, and coordinating activities. This will enhance our leadership and organizational abilities, ensuring smooth execution for future projects.
4)Improving Editor Retention: We aim to learn how to design and implement strategies for retaining editors by providing mentorship, ongoing support, and meaningful engagement opportunities. This will help foster a welcoming community and encourage long-term participation in SheSaid events, Wikiquote, and other Wikimedia projects.
5)Refining Impact Assessment and Evaluation: Finally, we seek to improve our ability to measure and evaluate the project’s impact by analyzing outreach effectiveness, participant engagement, and satisfaction. This data-driven approach will enable continuous improvement and help us maximize the overall impact of our work.
- 18. What are your Wikimedia project targets in numbers (metrics)? (required)
| Other Metrics | Target | Optional description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 40 | New Participants:20
Returning Participant:20 |
| Number of editors | 40 | New Participants:20
Returning Participant:20 |
| Number of organizers | 3 | There will be 3 Wikimedia volunteers facilitating and co-facilitating the event |
| Wikimedia project | Number of content created or improved |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | |
| Wikimedia Commons | |
| Wikidata | |
| Wiktionary | |
| Wikisource | |
| Wikimedia Incubator | |
| Translatewiki | |
| MediaWiki | |
| Wikiquote | 150 |
| Wikivoyage | |
| Wikibooks | |
| Wikiversity | |
| Wikinews | |
| Wikispecies | |
| Wikifunctions or Abstract Wikipedia |
- Optional description for content contributions.
100 Pages Created and 50 articles improved
- 19. Do you have any other project targets in numbers (metrics)? (optional)
No
| Main Open Metrics | Description | Target |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
- 20. What tools would you use to measure each metrics? Please refer to the guide for a list of tools. You can also write that you are not sure and need support. (required)
1.Outreach Dashboard: Tracks: Edits, new pages, and participation rates. Use: Monitor engagement and productivity during events.
2.#SheSaid2024 Hashtag: Tracks: Edits and content improvements tagged with the hashtag. Use: Participants will use this hashtag in their edit summaries, allowing us to Identify and quantify contributions related to the project.
These tools will provide a comprehensive measurement of our project's impact.
Financial proposal
[edit]- 21. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it. (required)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JVD27-TSV9N4OJK6CkAd5HDexDUpvh6Y-lfYN_2ZaeU/edit?gid=0#gid=0
- 22. and 22.1. What is the amount you are requesting for this proposal? Please provide the amount in your local currency. (required)
1926000 NGN
- 22.2. Convert the amount requested into USD using the Oanda converter. This is done only to help you assess the USD equivalent of the requested amount. Your request should be between 500 - 5,000 USD.
1171.26 USD
- We/I have read the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy and Universal Code of Conduct.
Yes
Endorsements and Feedback
[edit]Please add endorsements and feedback to the grant discussion page only. Endorsements added here will be removed automatically.
Community members are invited to share meaningful feedback on the proposal and include reasons why they endorse the proposal. Consider the following:
- Stating why the proposal is important for the communities involved and why they think the strategies chosen will achieve the results that are expected.
- Highlighting any aspects they think are particularly well developed: for instance, the strategies and activities proposed, the levels of community engagement, outreach to underrepresented groups, addressing knowledge gaps, partnerships, the overall budget and learning and evaluation section of the proposal, etc.
- Highlighting if the proposal focuses on any interesting research, learning or innovation, etc. Also if it builds on learning from past proposals developed by the individual or organization, or other Wikimedia communities.
- Analyzing if the proposal is going to contribute in any way to important developments around specific Wikimedia projects or Movement Strategy.
- Analysing if the proposal is coherent in terms of the objectives, strategies, budget, and expected results (metrics).