All 2013 projects | Key theme 2: Increasing diversity of knowledge – Goal 2: Diversity – Change 2.2: Concept on diversity in Wikipedia

Project description: Diversity for Wikipedia

In collaboration with Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Wikimedia Deutschland will develop a concept for closing the gender gap. This should form the basis for actions to strengthen the diversity of Wikipedia. (P9)

Contact / Project Manager: Julia Kloppenburg (Education & Knowledge)
Total budget: €80,000
Implementation period: January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013

What is the project about?

As part of a research and development project with the Gender- und Technikzentrum (Gender and Technology Center) of Beuth University of Applied Sciences, we will work out new ways for supporting participation in Wikipedia under the title “Wikipedia gender diversity concept”.

Focus will be placed on the causes of the unequal gender distribution in Wikipedia and on the search for sound approaches to solving this problem. On the basis of the female target group, a procedure will be developed that should be capable of being transferred to other low-participation groups.

The development efforts will be based on an open innovation approach that features a transparent, participatory process – in dialogue with communities and experts.

How will this project help us meet our annual goals?

Wikimedia Deutschland has set itself the goal of taking a close look at the meaning of diversity in Wikipedia.

The research and development project will pool existing insights into the lack of female participation in the ranks of contributors. On the basis of this knowledge, problem-solving approaches for gender diversity will be developed and undergo initial testing in dialogue with communities and experts.

Insights gained here should also be capable of being transferred to further underrepresented groups.

What are the key milestones along the way and by when should we reach them?

No.	When	What
1.	July 2013	Gender diversity report with research findings, best practices and priority areas of action. On the basis of this report, we will then take concrete measures (micro-interventions) in Wikipedia that target the lack of female participation.
2.	November 2013	Organization of a conference on the topic “Diversity in Wikipedia” in order to gather initial findings, gain a better understanding for intervention possibilities and generate attention for the topic of women’s online participation.
3.	December 2013	Publication of a diversity concept that brings together the findings on the causes of the gender gap in Wikipedia and intervention possibilities.