WWC2023/Resources

Pre-Camp

Statement of Inclusion

Why a women-only camp?
As the Wikimedia movement progresses towards inclusivity and equity, it is important to recognize and address the systemic barriers that continue to hinder women from fully participating and benefiting from knowledge-sharing opportunities. In this context, organizing a women-only camp focused on the topic of knowledge equity serves as a necessary initiative to promote equal access, representation, and empowerment. By concentrating exclusively on those who identify as women, WikiWomenCamp (WWC) acknowledges the historical disadvantages they have faced and provides an opportunity to redress these imbalances.

Historical Inequality
Women have historically faced numerous obstacles in accessing and sharing knowledge. Throughout history, they have been marginalized and excluded from educational institutions, scientific fields, and professional networks. In the history of the Wikimedia movement, several initiatives have sought to address this historical inequality, such as Women in Red and Art and Feminism amongst others.

Representation and Empowerment
A women-only camp helps create a separate space to foster a sense of solidarity and community, in which women can comfortably express their thoughts and ideas and plan the realization of their aspirations. Such an environment fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, enabling women to share their experiences, insights, and expertise without fear of being dismissed or overshadowed.

Unique Perspectives and Experiences
The lived experience of women is specific and demands a separate space and focused and exclusive engagement. Women bring unique perspectives and experiences to various fields of knowledge based on their lived realities. By creating a women-only camp, we draw from this wealth of untapped potential and provide a platform for women to showcase their diverse perspectives, research, and accomplishments. This camp becomes an opportunity for attendees to learn from a variety of voices and expand their understanding of knowledge equity.

Networking and Collaboration
Gender-exclusive camps foster networking and collaboration opportunities that may not occur in co-ed environments. By gathering women with a shared interest in knowledge equity, this camp enables participants to form connections, share resources, and develop collaborations that can lead to tangible advancements in promoting equal access to knowledge for all.

Addressing Intersectionality
Knowledge equity is not only about gender: it intersects with other dimensions of identity, such as gender identity, expression, disabilities, age, race/ethnicity or caste, language, and country of origin. We acknowledge that individuals hold multiple social identities, and that their experiences are shaped by the intersections of these identities. While a women-only camp may not encompass all aspects of intersectionality, it can provide a specific focus on gender-based barriers and facilitate discussions around the unique challenges faced by women from diverse backgrounds. This can encourage conversations about inclusivity and inspire attendees to incorporate intersectional perspectives into their work. It can also recognize and address the unique challenges faced by women at these intersections, including LGBTQ women, Women of Color, and others who are working towards an inclusive space that respects and values diverse experiences.

Bridging the Gap
A women-only camp focused on knowledge equity does not seek to exclude or discriminate against other genders. Rather, it aims to bridge the existing gender gap by creating a space for women to amplify their voices and shape the discourse on this subject. By hosting an initiative that highlights the issues faced by women in accessing and sharing knowledge, we ultimately strive for a more inclusive society that values the diverse contributions of all genders.

Safe Space Principles

Our commitment is to maintain a respectful atmosphere throughout the event. By upholding these five principles and striving for equity, we aim to foster a sense of belonging, respect, and empowerment for all participants.

1. Safety
We prioritize the well-being of all attendees, rejecting all forms of harassment, discrimination, or violence based on gender identity, expression, disabilities, age, race/ethnicity or caste, language, or country of origin.

2. Inclusivity
This conference is exclusive to those who self-identify as women, including transgender women and non-binary women, for the reasons highlighted previously. It will be a space where everyone feels acknowledged and valued, regardless of their identity or presentation.

3. Equity
We are committed to promoting equity at our conference. We recognize that historical and contemporary disparities and marginalization have disproportionately affected some specific social groups. Therefore, we aim to actively address these disparities, promoting fair and just opportunities for all attendees, regardless of their backgrounds.

4. Accessibility
We are dedicated to making our conference accessible to all attendees. We strive to provide physical accessibility, such as wheelchair access, and accessible seating. We also aim to accommodate diverse needs upon request.

5. Pronoun Respect
We encourage the use and respect of correct pronouns for all participants, recognizing that pronouns are personal and respecting each individual's right to self-identify.

Post-Camp

Research Cohort Outcomes can be found here.

Declaration for Global Consultation and Review

Empowering Change for a More Inclusive Wikimedia Movement

We are excited to share a significant milestone in the journey toward gender equity in the Wikimedia Movement. The Wiki Women Camp, a collective voice committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, is proud to announce a comprehensive declaration for global consultation and review.

A Pioneering Declaration

Our declaration is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to advancing gender equity within the Wikimedia Movement. In the spirit of collaboration, inclusivity, and empathy, we present a series of key recommendations aimed at fostering a more diverse and equitable community.

Key Recommendations

1. Creation of a Working Group or Task Force for Gender Equity Prioritization

We recommend the establishment of a dedicated working group to support and drive efforts related to the prioritization of equity across the Wikimedia Movement. This group should work collaboratively with all stakeholders to address gender imbalances and promote equity.

2. Development of Policies for Balanced Representation

We endorse the creation of clear and measurable policies that advocate for gender balance. For instance, we recommend setting a standard of at least 33% representation of women+ on Boards for Chapter and Thematic Organization for recognition.

3. Mandate for Grantees to Include Women+ on Their Teams

It is our recommendation that grantees be required to have women+ as integral members of their teams. This mandatory inclusion ensures a broader spectrum of perspectives and enriches project outcomes.

4. Establishment of Support Structures for Contributors

To foster an environment that encourages and supports individuals working on Wiki Women+ projects, we propose the creation of dedicated support structures. These structures should ensure that individuals with such aspirations receive the community support and mentorship they need.

5. Development of Guidelines and Support for Sustainable Resources

We advocate for the formulation of comprehensive guidelines and supportive frameworks that empower gender equity initiatives with sustainable resources. This includes financial, technical, and community support.

6. Commitment to Global Coordination

We must commit to global coordination, transcending boundaries and regions to work collectively toward a shared goal. Our aim is to create a global network that aligns with the Wikimedia Movement’s mission of free knowledge accessible to all.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

This declaration represents a collective determination to empower positive change for gender equity within our community. We invite all Wikimedia stakeholders and interested parties to participate in the global consultation and review of our recommendations.

Together, we can ensure that the Wikimedia Movement becomes a beacon of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Join us in this transformative journey, as we work hand in hand to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Stay tuned for updates and the opportunity to provide your valuable input on our recommendations. Together, we can make a difference!