International delegates descend on Waterford for Celtic Knot Conference

The Tower Hotel in Waterford was the venue for this year's Celtic Knot Conference which brought together international delegates from across the globe to discuss language diversity and digital inclusion.

The conference, a collaboration between Wikimedia UK and the University of Edinburgh, has previously been hosted in Wales and Cornwall but moved online for a number of years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year, the conference, which was hosted by Wikimedia Community Ireland, returned with a hybrid model, having grown its international reach by going virtual. 

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Throughout the three days, delegates presented and discussed a variety of projects within the Wikimedia movement which work with various minoritised and indigenous languages around the globe. Wikimedia Community Ireland hosted their Erasmus+ Multiplier event as part of the conference program, featuring the launch of the WikiWomen Schools Toolkit.

Delegates were formally welcomed to Waterford by the Metropolitan Mayor, Cllr Joe Kelly, who addressed the gathering and officially opened the multiplier event.

“We are delighted to welcome delegates from around the world to Waterford, a city that proudly embraces its role in global digital initiatives,” said Cllr Kelly.

“The WikiWomen project is an inspiring example of how we can bridge gender gaps and promote language diversity online, while connecting communities through shared knowledge and culture. It’s fantastic to see Waterford at the centre of such important work," he added.

Praising the initiative, Cllr Kelly continued: “I am immensely impressed with the work being done here. This project isn’t just about Wikipedia; it’s about bringing people from all over the world together to share their cultures, experiences, and languages. It’s fantastic to see such collaboration and dedication, and I truly believe this is one of the most impactful projects I’ve encountered.”

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The WikiWomen Schools Toolkit, developed as part of the Erasmus+ program, was a key focus of the event. Amy O’Riordan, Irish Language Officer with Wikimedia Community Ireland, introduced the project, emphasising its importance in the Digital Age. The toolkit is the first of its kind in Ireland, designed specifically for second-level students to improve their research, writing, as well as information and digital literacy skills through the Irish language, while also addressing the gender gap on Wikipedia and Vicipéid.

“The WikiWomen project, part of the Erasmus+ program, aims to close the gender gap on Wikipedia by empowering students to write about the achievements of notable women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people who are all under-represented online. It’s been incredible to see the enthusiasm and dedication from the students involved, and we are excited to continue this important work of linking digital literacy with language preservation, especially in the Irish language.” 

The highlight of the morning was a presentation by four students from Coláiste Oiriall, Co. Monaghan, accompanied by their múinteoir, Faela Mhic Dhomhnaill. The students shared their experiences working on the WikiWomen project, including their research on notable women and how it helped them develop both their communication and research skills, through a bilingual presentation through Irish and English.

Faela MhicDhomhnaill remarked: “This project has opened doors we never expected, allowing our students to contribute to something much bigger and to respect the collaborative efforts of the global Wikimedia community. It’s amazing to see them become part of this initiative.”

The presentation was met with praise from all attendees, including John Walsh from Foras na Gaeilge, who described the project and students’ presentation as “absolutely inspirational and exceptional and exemplary.”

A panel discussion, moderated by Sophie Fitzpatrick,  explored the development of the toolkit, its impact, and the importance of collaboration between schools, GLAMs (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums), and Wikimedia.

This was followed by a live demonstration of the WikiWomen Schools Toolkit which was delivered by Galder Gonzalez.

The event also highlighted two significant global initiatives—Pitabangan and Wiki Loves Monuments.

The Pitabangan initiative, organised by the Wikimedia Malaysia User Group, focused on creating and improving articles about Waterford in native languages from around the world. This nine-day global collaboration mirrors the Irish tradition of “meitheal,” where communities come together for collective work, strengthening cultural ties across borders and sharing knowledge in an open forum.

Additionally, the Wiki Loves Monuments competition, a global photography contest that encourages people to document cultural heritage sites, showcased stunning images of Irish landmarks. Both initiatives emphasise the role of digital platforms in preserving local culture and history on a global stage.

Hot to Get Involved

Wikimedia Community Ireland remains open to partnerships with schools and GLAMs interested in adopting the project and receiving support in implementing the toolkit. For teachers, students, and educational programs interested in getting involved with the WikiWomen project, this is a unique opportunity to promote gender equality and enhance digital literacy through the Irish language. Whether you’re looking to bring the program into your classroom, youth group, or community, we invite you to join this international effort. For more information about the general project, visit wikiwomen.eu.

Any Irish teachers or schools interested in participating can get in touch directly with Wikimedia Community Ireland’s Oifigeach Gaeilge via email to learn how to implement the program and receive support. Let’s work together to close the gender gap and elevate minority languages on Wikipedia!