We proudly present and highlight a comprehensive report from the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) on diversity and inclusion within its community. The report resulted from a project between Bitergia, Oregon State University, and the ASF. We thank Google for sponsoring this research work.
Diversity and inclusion have become essential pillars in the tech industry, and open-source communities are no exception. The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) report shows their ongoing efforts to foster a more diverse and inclusive environment. In this blog post, we will delve into the key findings and insights from the ASF report, viewed from the perspective of Bitergia, a leading company specializing in open-source software analytics.
ASF's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The ASF has long been committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its community. This commitment is evident in their diverse projects, mentorship programs, and outreach efforts to bring in underrepresented contributors. This comes from the belief that diverse and inclusive communities unite individuals from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This diversity can lead to more innovative solutions, better problem-solving, and a broader range of skills and talents.
Key Insights from the ASF Report
- Gender Diversity: ASF’s report highlights a gradual increase in gender diversity within the community. Bitergia’s perspective is that this progress aligns with broader industry trends. Encouragingly, the report mentions that the percentage of contributors identifying as female has nearly doubled since the previous report, indicating a positive shift in the right direction.
- Geographical Diversity: Geographical diversity is another crucial aspect of the ASF community. The report shows that contributors are joining from diverse regions worldwide. Bitergia’s expertise in open-source analytics underscores the importance of global participation in open-source projects, leading to a more representative and inclusive community.
- Diversity of Backgrounds: A key strength of open-source communities is their ability to bring together individuals from different professional backgrounds. ASF’s report highlights many professional affiliations among its contributors, including universities, government agencies, and corporations. Bitergia recognizes this diversity of backgrounds as a valuable asset that enhances the richness of the ASF ecosystem.
- Challenges and Opportunities: While the ASF report showcases progress in diversity and inclusion, it also acknowledges that there is still work to be done. Bitergia echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that ongoing efforts are essential to maintain and expand the positive trends seen in the report. Encouragingly, ASF outlines a series of actions and initiatives to address these challenges.
The Apache Software Foundation’s recent report on diversity and inclusion in its community demonstrates its commitment to fostering a more inclusive open-source ecosystem. Bitergia’s perspective on this report aligns with the understanding that diversity and inclusion are essential for open-source projects’ continued growth and success.
While there is room for improvement, the ASF community’s progress is a testament to the positive impact of concerted efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. By prioritizing these values and taking concrete steps to address challenges, ASF sets an example for other open-source communities.
Read the full article The State Of Diversity And Inclusion In The ASF Community: A Pulse Check at the Apache Software Foundation Blog.
In the ever-evolving world of open source, diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but core principles that drive innovation, collaboration, and software development that benefit us all. At Bitergia, we are proud to be at the forefront of advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the world of Open Source Software (OSS).
So, DEI is not just a slogan but a fundamental principle that drives innovation, collaboration, and the overall success of open source communities. You can read more in my previous blog post Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Open Source: My Journey And Contributions At Bitergia.
