2023:Program/Lightning talk showcase/EB7X9E-Rethinking diversity and inclusion : A Ugandan experience

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Title: Rethinking diversity and inclusion : A Ugandan experience

Speakers:

Alice Kibombo-Ekanya

She is a librarian and Wikimedian

Pretalx link

Etherpad link

Room: Plenary Hall

Start time: Fri, 18 Aug 2023 17:00:00 +0800

End time: Fri, 18 Aug 2023 17:05:00 +0800

Type: No (pretalx) session type id specified

Track: No (pretalx) track id specified

Submission state: confirmed

Duration: 5 minutes

Do not record: false

Presentation language: en

Abstract & description

Abstract

Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world (about 72% under 30 years) and this is reflected in the number of our known active contributors as well as the nature of participation (editing) which in turn influences our programming. However, there is also a generation that does not contribute to Wikimedia projects through editing but through sharing their unique knowledge and expertise in a number of ways such as panel discussions and talks.This has resulted in a rich knowledge harvest through discussions with non-traditional contributors.

Description

Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world (an estimated 72% being under 30 years) and this is reflected in the number of our known active contributors, the nature of contribution(editing and photography), the nature of our programming (in-person events and field trips) in addition to the topics addressed. Just like any other community, we also have a number of individuals that belong to a generation ( age & profession) that is largely skeptical of Wikimedia and open access though their perspective is still valued and encouraged. Our normal activities have not provided an opportunity for this generation to engage with us meaningfully. This called for a review in programming and led to the idea of panel discussions in which active contributors and other communities can talk about open access topics which are at the intersection of their knowledge and experience. This practice has resulted in the active inclusion of non-traditional users in the Wikimedia community, and a meaningful harvest of knowledge and unique perspectives that can be applied to our future projects.

The objectives of the session include : To bring to the participants attention that contribution to Wikimedia projects is not always through editing. Show participants that changing the focus/emphasis of participation can also lead to a harvest of rich knowledge that is useful to projects in the near and long term future.

To emphasise the priority that diversification of programming should be given as part of inclusion

Further details

Qn. How does your session relate to the event themes: Diversity, Collaboration Future?

Diversity, collaboration and the future are the main ingredients in engaging that which we are not traditionally acquainted with. For communities to thrive, we need to consider diversifying the nature of contribution and contributors, which can be done through collaboration in order to harvest what others know as part of our future knowledge base

Qn. What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?

Everyone can participate in this session

Qn. What is the most appropriate format for this session?

• Onsite in Singapore
• Remote online participation, livestreamed
• Remote from a satellite event
• Hybrid with some participants in Singapore and others dialing in remotely
• Pre-recorded and available on demand