Only 18.2 percent of English Wikipedia biographies feature women. This number has increased by 2.7 percent in the past five years largely due to Wikipedia edit-a-thons – events in which participants work together to create and edit Wikipedia pages for notable women. These efforts increase the number of female role models and help to combat systemic gender biases. Registration for this event is now open.
The International Women’s Day Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon will focus on creating and improving Wikipedia pages for women in academia. The event will feature keynote speaker, Maryam Zaringhalam, and will be hosted at Geisel Library. This edit-a-thon is proudly supported by the Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, SAID in STEM, UC San Diego Women’s Center, UC San Diego Library, Hello Bio, and the UC San Diego Division of Biological Sciences.
**Participants MUST create a Wikipedia account prior to attending. Your account can be created here.
Keynote Abstract
Harnessing the Power of Wikipedia to Promote Women in STEM
Wikipedia is the fifth most popular website in the world, yet only 18% of biographies are about women. This lack of representation reinforces ideas around whose lives and achievements are noteworthy. But we have the power to change that. Zaringhalam will explore how we can leverage Wikipedia and other online platforms as tools to challenge stereotypes around women, focusing specifically on women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
FAQs
How do I tune in remotely?
Tune in via the YouTube live stream if you cannot attend the event in person.
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
No, any and all are welcome!
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
Information about parking near Geisel Library can be found here.
What can I bring into the event?
Please bring your laptop if you have one. If you do not have access to a personal laptop, computers will be available at the event.
Event contact: Lia Friedman, lgfriedman@ucsd.edu, (858) 822-2784
Photo courtesy of Michael Mandiberg via Wikimedia Commons.
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