The Emeki association in Hondarribia last week unveiled the Hondarribiko Wikiemakumeak initiative, focused on showcasing the town's pioneering women and addressing the gender imbalance on Wikipedia. This project follows the successful model of similar initiatives in other municipalities, aiming to digitize the historical contributions of women.
Tamara Sastre, president of Emeki, explains that the town has «numerous reference women» whose stories remain untold. Sastre recalls that after publications like 'Aintzina eta Gaur' and 'Las huellas de las mujeres de Hondarribia', residents complained about the absence of their grandmothers' legacies, highlighting «the need to make these women visible».
To advance the project, Emeki is calling on citizens for information. Those interested can suggest names, write articles, or share photographs and memories. A dedicated website (hondargia.com/wikiemakumeakeus) has been created, and participation is also possible via email (hondarribikowikiemakumeak@gmail.com).
Starting in October, three in-person sessions will be held at Emeki's headquarters. Leire Martínez and Diana Arbonies (from the studio La Crafetera) will lead these sessions, covering Wikipedia's style guidelines and methods for finding reliable sources. The goal is to foster community work, believing it to be more effective and motivating when done collaboratively.
Although initially conceived for women, the Hondarribiko Wikiemakumeak initiative is open to all citizens. Sastre emphasizes that «we must consider all genders, as everyone can make interesting contributions». Furthermore, the project will engage with the municipality's three schools to involve secondary students in writing texts and researching local pioneers.
