Wikipedia and Women in Science Edit-a-thon


Remembering stories of women in science is more important than ever. Women are still underrepresented in many scientific fields, and they sometimes face discrimination at the Smithsonian and at other scientific institutions. By ensuring that women's stories are identified and shared, we remember that women have always played a foundational role in the sciences.

We've identified 100 women who helped make the Smithsonian a renowned national scientific institution. Join us on January 20 at 1 p.m. ET for a Wikipedia edit-a-thon to help increase the representation of women in science online. We'll be creating and improving Wikipedia profiles for 100 women discovered through research at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.

Wikipedia serves as a starting point for many individuals looking to learn about art, history, and science. However, only around 19% of published biographies on Wikipedia are about women, which means there are large parts of history still missing on Wikipedia.

During this event, attendees will learn the basics of how to edit Wikipedia and help combat the gender gap on Wikipedia by updating and creating articles related to the history of women in science at the Smithsonian.

No Wikipedia experience necessary! Wikimedia DC will also be on hand to help answer any questions you might have.

This event is planned in conjunction with the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives and the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative, a multiyear undertaking to document, research, collect, display, and share the history of women in the United States.