OpenStreetMap (OSM) thrives on teamwork and the desire to accurately depict the globe. Nonetheless, within its contributor base, gender disparities still exist. In addition to reflecting larger cultural trends, this underrepresentation affects the type of data gathered and the viewpoints given priority.

Mappers, community organizers, and advocates get together on this topic to explore various aspects of gender in the OSM ecosystem. The workshop will highlight initiatives to promote diversity, talk about how cultural norms affect participation, and share personal experiences navigating gendered expectations. We will look into issues like: What are the ways in which mapping communities exhibit binary gender assumptions? What aspects of gender are influenced by linguistic and cultural contexts? In what ways can we establish environments that embrace a range of gender identities?

By examining these questions, the workshop aims to:
• Draw attention to the difficulties that underrepresented genders in OSM confront.
• Discuss ways to encourage equal participation and combat gender biases.
• Promote the use of inclusive terminology and methods in mapping projects.

Those working on diversity projects, community participation, and the creation of mapping tools and policies may find this conversation very relevant. Participants will get knowledge about creating an OSM community that is more inclusive and celebrates the diversity of its members.

The UN Maps Programme, an initiative from the Department of Operational Support at the United Nations, provides topographic maps, operational geo-information, search and navigation tools, and imagery and street-level base maps to peacekeeping and humanitarian actors in UN mission areas. UN Maps has established a community of OpenStreetMap (OSM) data contributors called UN Mappers. The UN Mappers community is a collective of open mapping enthusiasts dedicated to building accurate and crowd-worked geospatial data to support peacekeeping and humanitarian missions on the ground.

The session aims to provide updates about the UN Maps programme and the UN Mappers community. In addition, we aim to share co-created and adopted initiatives that we are currently exploring in community building and sustainability, such as the UN Mappers Ambassadors and Chapters, and to discuss lessons learned and challenges.