[Gendergap] Why do we want more women on the Wikimedia Projects?( was: Introduction and some thoughts)

[Fred Bauder]

>
>> Why should they?
>>
>
> I really like that Delphine asked this simple question. I admit, it
> popped into my head as I scanned through emails talking about even the
> articles that women have "interest" in editing.
>
> The fact that people would make a judgement calls and declare that women
> are into editing fashion articles, etc, is really bizarre to me. The
> first articles I ever edited were about European new wave bands, nor
> have I ever edited an article about make-up, children, "women's issues"
> or soap operas ;)
>
>> And to broaden the question, why is it that we want more women to edit
>> Wikipedia?
>> What does it bring?
>> What is missing if they don't?
>>
>
> "What does it bring?" "What is missing if they don't?"
>
> These are very valid questions, I also fear that stereotypes and bad
> "scientific studies" will be brought out to discuss it. It's like asking
> "why aren't African American editors editing African American topics?"
>
> All legit, but, just makes me a little nervous..
>
> Sarah
> --
> Sarah Stierch Consulting
> Historical, cultural & artistic research, advising & event planning.

You're right, of course, however there is such a thing as a womens
magazine and its typical content. But maybe there is a generational
element involved. I don't seem many young women reading those magazines.
The matter of African Americans is interesting too, but raises different
questions.

Fred