The Juan Gil-Albert Cultural Institute, supported by the Alicante Provincial Council, has completed the printing of a landmark publication titled Women with their own voices Villena. The forthcoming book, scheduled to debut next January, offers a detailed portrait of the historical role of women across the city. Authored by Matilde Aliağa and Dolores Milan, the work is poised to be unveiled at a formal event organized by the institute itself, marking the first weeks of 2024 before it becomes available to the public.
Fulgencio Cerdán, the mayor of Villena, emphasized the crucial backing from the Juan Gil-Albert Cultural Institute as a catalyst for turning this project into a tangible resource. He described the publication as a reference manual for the broader world and highlighted the persistent invisibility of certain women in historical narratives. The project, he noted, tackles gaps in city and national history where women have historically been overlooked or marginalized.
Cerdán also expressed sincere appreciation for the collaboration with the Alicante Provincial Council. He spoke proudly of a work that, together with other municipal initiatives, seeks to situate history in its rightful place and advance society by recognizing the contributions of many women who have often gone unrecorded in research and bibliographic references today. The aim is to bring visibility to these figures and ensure their stories are part of collective memory.
María Server, a member of the Culture Council, explained that the publication will be presented to a parliamentary audience in March, aligning with the month dedicated to equality. She described a forthcoming series of forums and participatory events within the Villenense community that will validate the role of women in Spanish society. While the plan for these days is still being shaped, Server indicated that raising social and educational awareness will be a keynote objective within the broader 8M commemorative program in March. The focus on equality will guide discussions and activities, highlighting the ongoing effort to recognize women’s achievements and contributions.
Across these efforts, the project reflects a broader commitment to documenting the lived experiences of women who have shaped Villena and, by extension, the cultural and historical fabric of the region. The collaboration among municipal leadership, cultural institutions, and provincial authorities signals a cross-governmental dedication to inclusive history that resonates with communities in Canada and the United States who value diverse historical narratives and gender-balanced scholarship. The forthcoming publication is expected to become a touchstone for educators, researchers, and public historians seeking to illuminate how women’s voices have shaped local history and how those voices deserve a lasting place in archives and classrooms. (Attribution: Juan Gil-Albert Cultural Institute; Alicante Provincial Council)