In a world where women’s voices have often been muted or disregarded, it’s astonishing to realize that, despite their wealth of wisdom, inspiration, and distinctive perspectives, there’s a glaring absence of their quotes in our cultural narrative. This obvious void not only mirrors the historical sidelining of women but also underscores the necessity for a profound shift in our societal awareness.
Women’s voices play an essential role in society, providing exceptional insights and perspectives that enrich our communities. Their influence spans every facet of life, propelling progress, advocating for equity, and nurturing a more compassionate world. Acknowledging and appreciating women’s voices is pivotal in constructing a more diverse, equitable, and empathetic society. As aptly put by Melinda Gates: “A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.“
The insufficiency in presenting women’s quotes extends beyond collective memory, persisting across various platforms, such as Wikiquote. This underscores the importance of initiatives like the #SheSaid campaign, which asserts that extraordinary women’s voices deserve their own spotlight. These exceptional individuals have broken through glass ceilings, challenged societal norms, and left an enduring mark on humanity.
A Resounding Triumph
Launched in October 2020, this campaign is driven by the Wiki Loves Women initiative by Wiki In Africa, with the aim of improving the representation of women on Wikiquote by adding and enhancing citations.
From the eloquent words of Maya Angelou to the fearless declarations of Malala Yousafzai, the endeavor isn’t limited to dreams; it’s about tangible influence. In the previous three iterations of this initiative, we’ve achieved remarkable success. Over 4158 articles celebrating remarkable women have sprung to life in 11 different languages. Nevertheless, it’s not just a compilation of quotes; it stands as a testament to the extraordinary women who have overcome challenges and shattered societal barriers. This campaign spotlights their stories and accomplishments, serving as a reminder that the path to success is often marked by determination and resilience.
Beyond a Mere Campaign
#SheSaid is more than just a campaign; it’s a dynamic community of individuals united by a shared purpose. With each passing year, the movement continues to expand as diverse communities come together. This collaborative effort transcends language barriers, underscoring the common objective of celebrating and amplifying women’s voices.
One visible expression of this unity is the annual creation of bookmarks and postcards for conferences. These small yet meaningful tokens embody the core mission of #SheSaid and are carried to various gatherings, spreading inspiration and reminding attendees of the importance of recognizing women’s contributions. Crafting and sharing these materials fosters a sense of connection and solidarity among participants, reinforcing the campaign’s impact beyond the digital realm. Together, this global community ensures that #SheSaid‘s message of empowerment and inclusivity resonates far and wide.
Success, Indeed… But Challenges Persist
Initiatives, like #SheSaid, face multifaceted challenges. A significant hurdle is the limited historical documentation and references available for many women throughout history, making it difficult to verify their quotes. Furthermore, it’s crucial to acknowledge that women’s contributions go beyond famous quotes; their impact takes diverse forms. Additionally, the intersectionality of women’s experiences, influenced by various factors like background and culture, adds another layer of complexity. Despite progress, the ongoing endeavor to uncover, document, and celebrate women’s stories and wisdom remains essential, encompassing not only quotes but also the context and societal impact they represent.
#SheSaid 2023
As we transition from October, celebrated as Women’s History Month, Breast Health Month, Healthy Workplace Month, Community Inclusion Month, and LGBT History Month, to November, dedicated to Family Violence Prevention and National Community Safety and Crime Prevention, and finally into December, marked by significant observances such as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, the SheSaid campaign continues to thrive.
Running from October 1st to December 31st in 2023, this marks the campaign’s fourth consecutive year of celebrating the influential voices of women. With each passing year, more communities and languages are joining this global movement, amplifying women’s contributions and inspiring positive change. #SheSaid remains committed to fostering a world where women’s stories are valued, and their voices continue to shape our shared history.
How to get involved?
Getting involved with the SheSaid campaign is easy and impactful. Start by visiting the campaign’s meta page for information and updates, and visit Wikiquote and start adding quotes.
Don’t forget to follow our social media:
Website: www.wikiloveswomen.org
Twitter: @Wikiloveswomen
Instagram: @WikiLovesWomen
Facebook page: @WikiLovesWomen
Facebook groupː Mind The Gender Gap group
Telegram Groupː WikiGenderGap
#SheSaid.. Give her a voice!