'Popularise Wikimedia through social networking'

By Jisha Surya

Last Updated : 02 Jun 2012 10:21:38 AM IST

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Netha Hussain is all excited after her first foreign trip. Netha’s visit to Buenos Aires in Argentina was special as the 21-year-old medical student from Kozhikode represented the country in the first WikiWomenCamp, organised for women involved in Wikimedia movement.

   Netha, an active contributor to Wikipedia, joined 17 other women from various parts of the globe and participated in the discussions on gender-specific issues in Wikipedia at the camp held from May 23 to 25.

“As a representative of the country which is a major contributor to Wikimedia movement, I was proud to be part of the camp. There were open discussions on various gender issues such as dealing with abuse on Wikipedia, gender and edit wars, ” Netha said over phone from Kozhikode.

   They actively discussed  steps to enhance participation of women in Wikimedia movement. Netha started her contribution to Wikimedia projects from May 2010. She had organised several outreach programme in schools and colleges.

“A quiz enthusiast, I used to surf Internet for information. When I found that some information was  missing, I thought of contributing. It began with an article on ‘Chammanti’,” she said.

   Now Netha is a regular contributor with specific focus on translation of medical articles into Malayalam and biography of renowned women.

 “I have translated biography of J K Rowling, Pratibha Patil and Hilary Clinton. Alsodid translation of medical articles on diabetes mellitus, blood pressure etc,” said Netha.

She has also edited several articles for Wikipedia. In the discussion during WikiWomenCamp, Netha suggested use of social networking sites to popularise the Wikimedia movement.

   “Those who are new to the movement require timely clarification of their doubts.

That is essential to keep interest in the movement. A facebook group ‘You too can write on Wikipedia’ is one such example,” she said.

   Netha has plans to organise more outreach camp and programmes to invite more women to Wikimedia movement.

A resident of Karanthoor in Kozhikode, Netha also has interest in blogging. “Unlike blogging, you have to take a neutral stand while editing for Wikipedia,” Netha said.