The city council of Lleida has launched an initiative to distribute 10,000 bookmarks celebrating the achievements of 24 women whose personal and professional journeys have shaped the social, cultural, educational, civic, and economic landscape of the city. This project is part of the Genealogies initiative associated with the first Women Who Move Cities Congress, aimed at recovering, recognising, and disseminating the memories of women who have made a significant impact on Lleida's history, often without the visibility they deserve.
The bookmarks are part of a numbered collection, with each piece representing one of the honoured women. This numbering system not only identifies the protagonists but also unifies the collection, encouraging the public to discover their stories and complete the set of 24 bookmarks. Among the women recognised are scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, political activists, and professionals from various fields.
The bookmarks have been distributed to libraries, educational centres, bookstores, and women's organisations, with a clear educational and outreach purpose. The aim is to bring these narratives closer to the public, particularly younger generations, to preserve a collective memory that often overlooks women's contributions.
This initiative follows the recent installation of banners throughout Lleida, showcasing images and stories of the 24 women. By transitioning these genealogies from public spaces to the hands of the community, the project fosters an accessible and everyday format that encourages continued discovery and sharing of their legacies.
Activities to engage the public
Throughout October, various parallel activities will take place in Lleida to complement the congress, focusing on cultural, educational, and participatory themes. These events aim to extend the discussion on women's roles in society, female leadership, equal opportunities, and the creation of more inclusive cities.
The first Women Who Move Cities Congress will be held on 23 and 24 October at the Llotja Congress Palace in Lleida, with free registration open to all. The congress will address topics such as feminist municipalism, equal governance, gender-sensitive urban planning, shared responsibility, and public policies that prioritise people and care.
Podcast launched
This week also saw the launch of the inaugural episode of the official podcast for the Women Who Move Cities Congress, titled "Women of Lleida." This new platform aims to facilitate conversations and disseminate information related to the congress themes while giving voice to women from various sectors. The first episode highlights women who have contributed to the growth and transformation of the city, expanding the congress's reach and engaging a broader audience in ongoing discussions.
Advancing towards more equal cities
The Women Who Move Cities Congress will gather institutional representatives, experts, professionals, and voices from diverse fields to share knowledge, experiences, and proposals aimed at advancing towards fairer, more equal, and sustainable urban models. Through initiatives like the genealogies project, the distribution of bookmarks, parallel activities, and the podcast launch, the city council of Lleida aims to ensure that the congress becomes a lasting project that engages the entire community.
