In our ongoing series showcasing the dedicated individuals behind the #SheSaid campaign, we are excited to introduce Adjovi Essenam Fumey from Senegal. As a passionate advocate for women’s voices, Adjovi brings a unique perspective to the campaign. Join us as we explore her journey, insights, and the vital role she plays in empowering women through this initiative.
Could you tell us about yourself?
My name is Adjovi Essenam Fumey. I am a librarian and an active member of the Wikimedia movement within the Senegalese community, of which I am a co-founder. I have been contributing to various Wikimedia projects since 2020. I am passionate about sharing free knowledge, addressing the gender gap, and fostering community development, which motivated me to contribute and encourage others to do the same.
A Wikisource training session in Senegal
What motivated you to get involved with the #SheSaid campaign?
The #SheSaid campaign aims to bridge the gender gap and make women’s voices heard on Wikiquote. As a woman, I wanted to lead by example by participating in the campaign and inviting anyone who supports the cause to join in.
Have you faced any challenges during your participation?
Explaining to people why they should contribute is a challenge, especially when it’s voluntary. The question “What do I get out of it?” often comes up. But we try to convince potential participants of the importance of contributing to promote African women’s voices, in particular.
How do you see the representation of women in your local Wolof language on Wikiquote? Are you considering creating a new incubator for it?
It is almost nonexistent. From initial research aimed at finding ways to communicate about the subject in the local language and encouraging the public to contribute, I discovered that the project had been deleted. We hope to take on the challenge of recreating the project in the incubator.
What impact do you hope this incubator will have on the visibility of women from your linguistic and cultural background?
Such an incubator could inspire more women to join Wikimedia movement and encourage the promotion of the local language. By promoting content in Wolof, we will help preserve the culture while providing women with opportunities to create and innovate.
As a librarian, how do you think libraries can help expand the #SheSaid campaign or Wikiquote, particularly in documenting quotes? Information professionals constantly work with books and are a good source of reliable information. They have vast collections of written, audiovisual, and digital resources, which are often treasure troves of information. They can contribute themselves and act as mediators by organizing activities in their institutions to train and invite the public to contribute.
Fatima at a training session in Dakar
Have you applied for a grant? Do you have any suggestions for improving the grant application process?
In Senegal, we are a team of four contributors who are working on the project: Yaseyda, Ourytima, Kikanakana, and myself, AdjoEsse. Yaseyda applied for the grant. We did not encounter any particular issues with the application process.
What advice would you give to someone organizing #SheSaid for the first time?
For any project, I would recommend a test phase. That’s what we did last year, and it allowed us to better prepare for this year. We also had the pleasure of collaborating with an organization promoting reading that supports us by publicizing our activities to its members. Working with women’s associations can also be very valuable. Don’t hesitate to form local partnerships.
What is your favorite women-empowering quote?
“Now, her mother’s loneliness warns her that she should not entrust her own happiness to someone else.” – Aminata Aidara
Read more about the campaign and the fifth edition in our #SheSaid 2024 Launch diffand don’t forget to follow us on social media:
