I've noticed this for years -- fewer women's biographies vs. men's in an average week at the DYK section of the main page. Maybe I've noticed this because I'm a highly prolific contributor to DYK. But I've wondered how many reader eyeballs land on the main page and notice the same thing?
Some statistics here:
Annually, there's a preponderance of women's biographies in March (Women's History Month). And during the rest of the year, there's the occasional set (6-7 "hooks") or occasional day (2-3 sets) where the majority of the biographies are regarding women. But it's an uncommon occurrence over the course of a week. The reason seems simple: fewer women's biographies are being nominated by editors, so fewer are promoted, and fewer appear at DYK. It almost goes without saying that fewer women's biographies are created/expanded compared to men's but it's actually important to address this, as IMO, it's the crux of the problem. I am not suggesting and would not support setting limits on the number of men's biographies which appear at DYK. Instead, I'd like to believe that issue/problem recognition is the first step before we brainstorm some objectives, develop workplans (i.e. monthly edit-a-thons anyone?), and measure outcomes.
I'm considering creating a proposal and applying for a grant to work on this "percentage issue". Feedback?
-Rosie