Author details
Joris Darlington Quarshie
Joris Darlington Quarshie is a Ghanaian data scientist, software engineer, and cloud specialist. Fluent in Twi and English, he is the Event Coordinator for Wiki Loves Folklore and Community Lead for the African Wikimedia Technical Community. With a history of impactful roles, including at Wikimania 2023 and Open Foundation West Africa, Joris is dedicated to advancing technology and fostering inclusivity in Africa and beyond.
Every culture pulsates with a heartbeat – a rhythm intertwined through the threads of tradition, music, dance, and oral history. Yet, these stories often remain untold, muffled by the clamour of modernity or lost in the vast echo chamber of the digital age. More poignantly, the voices of women and underrepresented communities—the vibrant threads that enrich this cultural tapestry—frequently remain unheard.
In 2025, we invite Wikimedia Affiliates, volunteers, and cultural enthusiasts across the globe to join us in rewriting this narrative. Feminism and Folklore 2025 is not merely a campaign; it’s a movement. A movement to celebrate the enduring beauty of folklore, amplify marginalized voices, and foster a spirit of collaboration that transcends borders.
The campaign unfolds from February 1st to March 31st, 2025, welcoming Wikimedia Affiliates, volunteers, and cultural organizations to participate. This year, we focus on enriching Wikipedia with high-quality articles that document and celebrate the contributions of women and underrepresented communities to global folklore.
Why This Campaign Matters
A sobering reality: A research study published in June 2024 suggests that female characters in folklore are often relegated to stereotypical roles, limiting their agency and reinforcing traditional gender norms. For instance, a study analyzing folktales from various Turkic cultures found that while women are present, they are frequently depicted as passive victims or objects of desire, rather than active agents or complex characters. Simultaneously, a recent review has highlighted significant gaps in Wikipedia’s coverage of folklore traditions, particularly in regions of the Global South. This issue is discussed in the article “Wikipedia Culture Gap: Quantifying Content Imbalances Across 40 Language Editions,” which examines the disparities in cultural representation on Wikipedia.
Additionally, the “Geographical bias on Wikipedia” article provides insights into the uneven distribution of content, noting that regions in the Global South are often underrepresented.
By meticulously documenting and preserving folklore through high-quality Wikipedia articles, we safeguard not only cultural heritage but also the principles of equity. Folklore serves as our ancestral compass, guiding us back to our roots. Feminism and Folklore 2025 strives to ensure that these roots reflect the rich tapestry of voices – women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other historically marginalized groups.
What Is Folklore?
Kavant Fair by Snehrashmi (CC-BY-SA)
Women in yellow and orange garb by Herbert Kikoy (CC-BY-SA 4.0)
Pintaflores Queen by Francisco Pajares, Jr. (CC-BY-SA 4.0)
A woman in traditional clothes sitting and sewing by Varvara Kless-Kaminskaia (CC-BY-SA 4.0)- Kavant Fair by Snehrashmi (CC-BY-SA)
- Women in yellow and orange garb by Herbert Kikoy (CC-BY-SA 4.0)
Women in yellow and orange garb by Herbert Kikoy (CC-BY-SA 4.0)
Folklore is a universal language, yet deeply rooted in the locals. It manifests in countless forms across the globe:
- Africa: The Adowa dance of the Akan people in Ghana, a poignant expression of grief and resilience.
- Asia: The intricate art of Ikebana – flower arranging – in Japan, a reflection of centuries of spiritual tradition.
- The Americas: The vibrant Carnival of Oruro in Bolivia, a captivating blend of Indigenous rituals and Christian influences.
- Europe: The haunting fado songs of Portugal, a soulful expression of human longing and loss.
- Oceania: The Moko Kauae tattoos of Maori women in New Zealand, are symbols of lineage, identity, and unwavering pride.
How to Participate in Feminism and Folklore 2025
Whether you’re an individual contributor, a Wikimedia Affiliate, or a cultural organization, there are many ways to get involved:
For Contributors:
- Write and Share Articles:
- Research and write Wikipedia articles about folklore traditions, the roles of women, and LGBTQ+ perspectives in cultural heritage.
- Translate existing articles into underrepresented languages to ensure global accessibility.
- Bring Folklore to Life with Media:
- Add photographs, videos, or audio recordings that enrich your written articles and make the traditions more vivid.
- Join Edit-a-Thons and Writing Sessions:
- Participate in virtual or local events hosted by Wikimedia Affiliates to contribute collectively.
For Organizers:
- Plan Local Campaigns:
- Host edit-a-thons, writing workshops, or cultural documentation events to inspire your community to join the movement.
- Create Partnerships:
- Collaborate with folklore societies, local artists, schools, or media outlets to maximize reach and impact.
- Engage and Support Contributors:
- Provide guidance and access to resources like archives, libraries, or research materials for participants.
- Leverage Social Media:
- Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to promote your events, share success stories, and engage with your community.
- Create hashtags to boost visibility and encourage participation (e.g., #FeminismFolklore2025).
- Share live updates, photos, and videos from events to create excitement and attract more contributors.
The Power of Collaboration
This year, we place a strong emphasis on partnerships. By uniting our efforts, we can achieve even greater heights:
- Internal Collaboration: Wikimedia Affiliates can collaborate across regions to host joint campaigns or share valuable resources.
- External Partnerships: Forge alliances with folklore societies, local artists, media outlets, or even schools to bring your campaign to life.
Partnerships amplify impact. They create a network of shared knowledge, resources, and stories, fostering a powerful collective voice.
Multilingual Folklore: A Shared Legacy
To emphasize the universal nature of folklore, here’s how the word “folklore” translates into 20 different languages:
- French: Folklore
- Spanish: Folclore
- Swahili: Fasihi Simulizi
- Arabic: الفلكلور (Al-Folklor)
- Bengali: লোককাহিনী (Lok Kahini)
- Yoruba: Ìtàn Àwọn Baba-nla
- Hindi: लोककथा (Lok Katha)
- Chinese: 民间文化 (Mínjiān Wénhuà)
- Russian: Фольклор (Fol’klor)
- Portuguese: Folclore
- Italian: Folclore
- Japanese: 民間伝承 (Minkan Denshō)
- Greek: Λαογραφία (Laografia)
- Zulu: Amagugu Esintu
- Turkish: Folklor
- Tamil: மக்கள் கதை (Makkal Kathai)
- Malay: Cerita Rakyat
- German: Folklore
- Hausa: Al’adun Gargajiya
- Korean: 민속 (Minsok)
Tools to Enhance Your Contributions:
- Campwiz: A comprehensive tool to help you track campaign progress, manage events, and collaborate with team members effectively.
- Article Generation Tool: Simplify the process of creating and editing articles with this user-friendly tool designed for contributors. Access it at tools.wikilovesfolklore.org.
Your Role in Feminism and Folklore 2025
This campaign transcends mere documentation; it’s about empowering voices and creating lasting change. By joining Feminism and Folklore 2025, you become part of a global movement to celebrate diversity, champion equity, and preserve heritage for generations to come.
For questions or personalised support, email us at support@wikilovesfolklore.org.
Together, let’s weave a richer, more inclusive tapestry of humanity’s stories on Wikipedia.
