The Wiki Loves Women Focus Group is expanding!
The Wiki Loves Women Focus Group is a pan-African community of women leaders who collaborate to close the gender gap in open knowledge. Launched in 2021 by Wiki In Africa, the group provides training, mentorship, and peer support to help members grow their skills and confidence. Together, they design and lead initiatives that make African women’s achievements more visible on Wikimedia platforms and beyond, while building a stronger, more inclusive movement.
At the start of 2025, we welcomed five inspiring new members into our sisterhood. They join us from Senegal, Madagascar, and Kenya, bringing fresh perspectives, energy, and expertise. With them on board, the Focus Group now counts 35 members from 14 countries across Africa and France.
Learning by Practicing: A Fresh Approach
2025 also marks the beginning of a new way of working for the Focus Group: Learning by Practicing. Instead of focusing only on theory or training sessions, members will strengthen their skills by actively contributing to real projects. This means learning while doing a powerful way to build confidence, expertise, and impact.
By embedding learning into action, members can directly shape initiatives that celebrate women’s stories and improve gender representation online.
Expanding Our Activities
To bring this new approach to life, the Focus Group has refreshed its activity plan for 2025. Here’s what you can expect:
- Collaborative working sessions – where members brainstorm ideas, design campaigns, and coordinate next steps.
- Closed trainings for members – safe, supportive spaces to deepen technical skills and explore new tools.
- Open trainings for everyone – free online events to invite the wider community to join us in highlighting women’s achievements.
- Bilingual learning opportunities – ensuring both Francophone and Anglophone members can participate fully, and helping us build bridges across Africa’s diverse linguistic communities.
>>> These activities are designed to make participation more inclusive, more practical, and more impactful.
A Year Full of Excitement
The Focus Group begins 2025 with energy, passion, and an ambitious vision. With new members, a new approach, and stronger collaboration, we are ready to take bold steps toward a future where African women’s stories are celebrated and visible.