The Wiki Loves Women Focus coaching program is a practical, action-oriented, mentored online training program facilitated by mentors. It aims to provide skills and knowledge specifically designed to support community leaders in creating programs and initiatives for gender equity within the Wikimedia and Open movements. The Focus coaching program will provide insights, guidance, skill transfers, and mentoring to help each member of the working group plan a gender equity program within their community and gather the resources and skills needed to implement this program.
The Wiki Loves Women Focus Group was initially formed in 2021 and comprised 12 women representing 8 African countries (Botswana, Nigeria, Sudan, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Cameroon, and Rwanda), as well as France. In 2022, the group welcomed two new members from South Africa and Tunisia, expanding its composition. As part of the 2023 program, the WLW working group continued to grow with the addition of 4 new members, making it more diverse and inclusive. The primary goal of the working group members is to raise awareness by organizing the participation of local communities in the #SheSaid initiative. #SheSaid began as an online campaign in 2020 to enhance the visibility of women leaders by creating new entries or improving existing entries on Wikiquote. This ensures that the voices of women are heard.
In 2024, 12 new members joined the group to attend 30 women from 12 African countries (Botswana, Nigeria, Sudan, South Africa, Zimbabwae, Kenya, Cameroun, Rwanda, Tunisia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Egypt) and France.
Meet the Focus Group Members
Focus Group
Clementine Nyirahabihirwe
Focus Group: Rwanda
Clementine Nyirahabihirwe is a Rwandan woman of 36 years old, who holds a Bachelor’s degree from the National University of Rwanda, in the faculty of Economics and Management, Economic department. She is a member of the Wikimedia User Group Rwanda, and I am one of the 4 founders of User group Rwanda, she acts as general secretary in the executive team.
Maram Ali Ahmed
Focus Group: Sudan
A Sudanese wikimedian, and a researcher in Material Science and Physics lecturer. One of the co-founders and program officer of the Sudanese user group that is concerned about increasing and improving the Sudanese content.
Phephile Tshabangu
Focus Group: Zimbabwae
A librarian and Wikimedian from Zimbabwe.
Zayneb Takouti
Focus Group: Tunisia
I bring a wealth of expertise in partnership management, event coordination, and strategic planning.
Tochi Precious Friday
Focus Group: Nigeria
Living in Abuja, Nigeria, Tochi is proudly an African Wikipedian, and initiates projects to further the Wikimedia movement (especially Igbo contribution) across Africa. Tochi founded a language centre called Smarter Language Hub where she helps to promote bilingual education and cross-cultural communication. She's a multi-linguist, lover of Arts and Culture.
Nonny Ntlahla
Focus Group: South Africa
Nonny Ntlahla is a young Social Dynamics graduate and currently an enthusiastic Health and Fitness student completing their Diploma.
R Jeanette Nyinawumuntu
Focus Group: Rwanda
Co-founder of the Wikimedia Community User Group Rwanda and responsible for community engagement and establishing partnerships.
Eliane Dominique Yao Sigan
Focus Group: Ivory Coast
President of the Board of Directors of Wikifranca, the network of French-speaking Users Groups and Chapters of the Wikimedia movement.
Fatima Oury Sow Gueye
Focus Group: Senegal
Senegalese and a passionate librarian who fights for access to information and advocacy for the valorisation of libraries.
Candy Tricia Khohliwe
Admin Intern
Candy Tricia Khohliwe is long-term editor and belongs to the Wikimedia Botswana Usergroup. She has led two successful Wiki Loves Africa photo contest and a successful Art and Feminism Editathon and panel discussion. She has assisted and conducted key activities and for the focus group members, a group made up odd 12 women across different countries of Africa.
Rukaya Hamidu
Focus Group: Ghana
Logistics manager for the Dagbani Wikimedians User Group and co-facilitator for Dagbani Wikipedia Saha.
Adjovi Essenam FUMEY
Focus Group: Senegal
A Librarian at a library in Dakar
Carol Mwaura (Cmwaura)
Focus Group: Kenya
Carol Mwaura (Cmwaura) is a Kenyan Librarian who is currently based in Nairobi Kenya. She am a new member of Wiki Loves Women Focus Group Members initiative in the larger movement of Wiki In Africa. She recently joined Wiki Loves Women Focus Group that focuses on contributing towards the UN’s SDG 5 Gender Equity: achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
Walaa Abdel Manaem
Florence Devouard
Co-Project Manager
A Wikipedian since 2002, a former Chair of Wikimedia Foundation, Florence Devouard was born in France where she currently lives. Initially trained as an Agricultural Engineer, she transitioned to non-profit leadership, intercultural project management, community building, and skills transfer roles
Sichelesile Similo Ndlovu
Focus Group: Zimbabwe
Sichelesile lives in Matopo, Zimbabwe, and is a proudly new African Wikipedian. She has been a librarian at a boarding school for the past 11 years and holds a degree in Library and Information Science. She joined the Wiki Loves Women Focus Group to initiate projects to further the WikiAfrica movement across Africa.
