Who do you see depicted on statues, street signs and in public squares? And who is notably absent? A report by de Volkskrant (2023) shows that only 17% of Dutch statues depict a woman. Of those women, only one is a woman of colour. Street names, too, are predominantly named after men.
Who do you see depicted on statues, street signs and in public squares? And who is notably absent? A report by de Volkskrant (2023) shows that only 17% of Dutch statues depict a woman. Of those women, only one is a woman of colour. Street names, too, are predominantly named after men.
Public spaces tell a story about who we value and wish to remember. During this writing afternoon, we’ll explore which stories are missing and why that matters. After that, you can get started on filling in the details yourself by adding information to Wikipedia, so that more women and their stories become visible.
Programme
12.30 – 1.00 pm: Doors open
1.00 pm: Welcome and introduction
Introduction by Onessa Novak (scientific librarian at Atria) on why it is important to see greater diversity in public spaces and how we can ensure that more streets are named after women.
1.30 pm – 4.00 pm: Wikipedia editing session
Under the guidance of experienced Wikipedia contributors, you’ll learn how to contribute to the world’s largest online encyclopaedia. For example, you can update information about street names and statues of women. Or write about De Bovengrondse’s #meervrouwenopstraat campaign or the Amsterdam-based Love Y/our History campaign to have more streets named after historical queer figures.
We’ll provide you with sources and background material so you can get started straight away. Prefer to do your own research? Then have a browse through Atria’s (digital) collection and write about a woman who deserves greater visibility on Wikipedia and in public spaces.
Do you have experience with Wikidata, the open knowledge base behind Wikipedia? If so, you can contribute by adding details about street names and images of women.
Practical information
Date: 27 November 2026
Time: 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm (doors open from 12.30 pm)
Venue: Atria studyroom, Hamburgerstraat 28A, Utrecht
What to bring: A laptop
Register
The writing afternoon is suitable for both new and experienced Wikipedia contributors. No experience is required: anyone who wishes to help bring forgotten gender history to light is welcome. Participation is free, but registration is compulsory.
Register for the Wikipedia writing afternoon
