Many high-profile conferences and events lack gender balance, despite there often being no shortage of qualified women. The absence of women at public professional forums is a problem. Because speakers are usually male, audiences are given a narrow perspective. The lack of diversity limits the quality of the conversation and potential outcomes.
As an event organizer, you are well aware of the role that speakers can play in the success of your event. Event organizers often tell us that they find it more difficult to find women speakers. Nevertheless, we think it is worth the extra effort to look for great female speakers. A good mix and balance is a very enriching ingredient in every WikiStage conference.
WikiStage strongly encourages women speakers to speak at our events. For example, the #ShareHerVoice Conference was an inspiring and eye-opening experience aiming to support future gender equality champions. Amongst the speakers we welcomed on stage, there were a lot of amazing women. You can read more about this empowering event Empow’Her: Share Her Voice.
Sometimes it feels like many people (women and men) fear public speaking more than anything else. Whether this is true or not, it is a hard reality that a lot of people are afraid of, or at least uncomfortable with, public speaking. If you have something valuable to say, then you have all the talent and "gift" required to speak. Now, what you need is skills, practice, and feedback. Coaching can also be very valuable. See why is it important to say "yes" to a WikiTalk request and how one of our speakers overcome podium panic: The Power of Saying YES to a WikiStage Talk Request.
What is important in WikiStage is that WikiTalks are not exclusively provided by one small group of celebrities or just a handful of teachers. We want to encourage you to get involved to bring your perspective on stage; in your community and in your language. WikiStage empowers you and your community to take part in a global conversation. Add your piece of knowledge to our collaborative video library for learning.
Apply to become a WikiStage speaker HERE.
