DCW Board Elections/2026/Muntaqibah
Muntaqibah
| Summary |
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|---|---|---|
| Mandatory questions | ||
| Why are you running for the DCW Board? What unique contributions do you bring to the role? What areas would you like to learn more about? | I am running for the Board of Deoband Community Wikimedia because I would like to give back more actively to the community that has helped me grow as a contributor. I hope to bring dedication, sincerity, and a collaborative spirit to this role. I am especially interested in encouraging more students and women to take part in Wikimedia projects and feel confident contributing. At the same time, I see this as an opportunity to learn more about community leadership, program planning, and how we can continue to strengthen and sustain our community together. | |
| Please describe your Wikimedia experience (such as contributions to the Wikimedia projects, activities as a Wikimedia movement organizer, or other relevant participation). | Currently, I am an active contributor to Wikimedia Commons and to Urdu Wikiquote, where I contribute images, add and improve quotations to help expand knowledge, respectively. I led the DCW Conversation Hour initiative when it was bifurcated from the program management in 2023. I had the opportunity to be part of discussions, bring community members together, and create a space where people could exchange ideas and learn from each other. This experience helped me understand how important open dialogue and collaboration are for building a healthy community. In 2023, I helped draft strategic recommendations for the DCW’s growth and sustainability. Beyond editing, I have participated in several DCW community activities, including all the anniversaries from 2022 to 2025 , the first Annual Convening in Aligarh, which allowed me to learn from other contributors and strengthen community connections. I also helped organise Wikiversary 2026 Conference and a women-only Mehfil-e-Wiki, which aimed to create a welcoming and safe space for women contributors to connect and engage with Wikimedia.
These experiences have helped me develop a deeper understanding of community engagement, collaboration, and the importance of building inclusive spaces within the Wikimedia movement. Through these contributions, I engaged in discussions on affiliate networking, contributor training, outreach strategies, governance, and inclusive approaches to addressing knowledge gaps, supporting sustainable and research-driven community growth. | |
| From your perspective, what should the Deoband Community Wikimedia prioritize over the next 3 to 6 years? Why do you consider these priorities to be the most important? | From my perspective, DCW should focus on sustainable and well-structured growth over the next 3–6 years. This includes strengthening consistent leadership, supporting active contributors, and developing more community organisers who can guide and sustain the community’s activities.
Another important priority should be expanding outreach by building partnerships with educational institutions and engaging more youth and students in the free knowledge ecosystem. Introducing them to Wikimedia projects such as Urdu Wikiquote, Wikipedia, and Wikimedia Commons can help grow a new generation of contributors. DCW should also continue establishing more wiki clubs, training programs, and mentorship opportunities that support newcomers and help them become confident contributors and future organisers. By strengthening governance, collaboration, and community capacity, DCW can build a strong national foundation and gradually expand its impact in the years ahead. | |
| Optional questions - Professional Experience and Education | ||
| Describe your educational background, including degrees, certificates, and courses of study finished, and their relevance to board work. | I have a BA and an MA in English Literature, and an additional MA in Islamic Studies, coupled with a B.Ed. and a Dars-e-Nizami graduate degree.
These studies are relevant to board work in several ways. My background in English Literature strengthens my research, writing, and analytical skills, which are useful for documentation, communication, and strategic discussions. My studies in Islamic Studies and the Dars-e-Nizami curriculum enable me to contribute to documenting Islamic academia on projects such as Urdu Wikiquote, aligning with the knowledge goals of DCW. My B.Ed training has also equipped me with teaching, mentoring, and organisational skills that are valuable for community engagement, training programs, and supporting new contributors. | |
| Describe your experience in making impactful decisions. | My experience in making impactful decisions comes mainly from my involvement in community activities. While organising and supporting community initiatives, I have learned to make thoughtful decisions that balance contributors' needs with the community's long-term benefit.
For example, while helping organise events such as Wikiversary 2026 and women-only Mehfil-e-Wiki, decisions had to be made regarding planning, participation, and creating a welcoming environment. These experiences have taught me to approach decisions with consultation, inclusivity, and careful consideration so that outcomes positively support the growth of the Wikimedia community. | |
| Outline your career experience and key roles you have held. | I have professional experience as a teacher, working with students from diverse countries and backgrounds. This role has strengthened my skills in communication, mentorship, and engaging with learners of different cultures.
In addition to teaching, I have held advisory and administrative responsibilities within my institution, contributing to academic coordination, planning, and the organisation of educational and community initiatives. | |
| Provide two examples where you successfully addressed or advised on complex organizational challenges. How did you collaborate with others to resolve these issues? | One example was during the organisation of Wikiversary 2026, where finding a suitable venue was a challenge. We explored multiple options across South Delhi, facing constraints related to availability, accessibility, and logistics. I helped in managing logistics, including coordination and planning. By working closely with the volunteers and maintaining clear communication, we were able to finalise the venue and successfully conduct the event. | |
| Add any relevant links describing your professional background, experience, profile (such as LinkedIn, etc.). | ||
| Optional questions - Leadership and Strategic Thinking | ||
| How have you been able to empower people to make their voices heard? | I try to create spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Through open conversations and active listening, I encourage those who are hesitant to speak and support them in building confidence. I make a conscious effort to include diverse perspectives and ensure that everyone feels heard.
I am also open to learning more ways to better empower contributors so that more voices can participate meaningfully in the community. | |
| In professional settings, personality conflicts can arise. How do you stay productive and maintain effectiveness in such situations? | In professional settings, I handle personality conflicts by being focused on my work, staying calm and open to healthy discussions. I prioritize professionalism, actively listen to different perspectives, and seek common ground to resolve issues. | |
| Describe ways in which you have helped to form a bridge between multiple communities. | ||
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