WikiIndaba 2023/Report/SAgbley

Report on the Participation of SAgbley at WikiIndaba 2023 in Agadir, Morocco

Overview

Provide insights into your participation at the conference, including details about your contributions, experiences, and noteworthy encounters.

Attending Wiki Indaba in person for the second time was an exceptional opportunity to immerse myself once again in the vibrant and diverse community dedicated to expanding and enhancing the Wikimedia movement across Africa and beyond. My journey with Wiki Indaba began as part of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) responsible for logistics during the second edition in Accra Ghana in 2017.

As a participant deeply invested in the principles of open knowledge and inclusivity, I had the privilege of contributing to key initiatives and collaborating with inspiring individuals who share a common vision of democratizing information for all.

My involvement in the conference was multifaceted, encompassing both the co-facilitation of impactful projects and active participation in learning from others about their initiatives. These efforts were aimed at empowering participants with the skills and knowledge needed to drive community engagement, improve content quality, and promote diversity within Wikimedia projects

Contributions

1.      Wiki For Inclusion Project: Co-facilitated this initiative aimed at ensuring diverse and inclusive representation on Wikimedia platforms. Focused on strategies to include marginalized communities and underrepresented voices in the creation and curation of content. This led to a partnership with AfroCrowd on our next project with Wiki 4 Inclusion 3.0

2.      Open Knowledge for All and by All: Co-facilitated this project which advocates for the democratization of knowledge. Worked on developing frameworks and guidelines to ensure that knowledge on Wikimedia platforms is accessible and editable by everyone, regardless of their background

Experiences

I immersed myself in the rich culinary traditions of Morocco by sampling a variety of local dishes such as tagine, couscous, and pastilla, while also participating in cultural tours and events that showcased Morocco's heritage through visits to historical sites, traditional music performances, and art exhibits, all of which provided a delicious introduction to Moroccan culture and a deeper appreciation for the country’s diverse and storied history.

I also connected with Wikimedia contributors from across the African continent and beyond, gaining valuable insights into regional challenges and opportunities, while engaging in meaningful conversations with experienced editors to learn about their unique experiences and the impact of their contributions to Wikimedia projects.

Outcome

What significant learning or outcome do you take away from your participation?

Participation at Wiki Indaba provided valuable insights into Wikipedia administration and diverse collaboration models, fostering a deeper understanding of community governance and effective project management. Through Let's Connect, I established meaningful connections with a wide range of participants, expanding networks and creating opportunities for future collaborations, while also gaining knowledge of Universal Code of Conduct (UCoC) implementation, enabling advocacy for a safer online environment and fostering constructive community dialogue

Impact

What impact the conference had on you and community plans, and what actions will you undertake to share learnings with your community?

The conference has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional development. It has inspired me to take concrete actions to drive positive change within my community and contribute more effectively to the Wikimedia movement. To this end, I plan to:

Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Implement strategies, including Wiki 4 Inclusion Project, to enhance diversity and inclusion within my local Wikimedia community through targeted outreach events and advocating for inclusive collaboration spaces.

Capacity Building: Share knowledge and skills gained at Wiki Indaba through workshops, training sessions, and online resources, empowering contributors to enhance their editing skills, engage with diverse perspectives, and make meaningful contributions to Wikimedia projects.

Collaborative Projects: Initiate projects prioritizing marginalized communities and underrepresented topics, partnering with local organizations to amplify voices often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

Knowledge Sharing: Actively participate in regional and global Wikimedia events to exchange best practices

Anything else?

If you have a link to your slides or particular pictures from the event, you can share them here. Please also feel free to share any other feedback, information, or thoughts with us in this section.