Many celebrations and remembrances have been dedicated to Boonpong Sirivejjabhandu. During World War II, the Thai merchant risked his life to smuggle medicine, money and contraband foods to prisoners of war pressed into slave labour along the River Kwai by the Japanese. He has been credited with saving thousands of lives, and received the George Cross and the rank of Lieutenant Colonel of the British Army by Queen Elizabeth II thanks to his courage.
Although Boonpong is undeniably deserving of his heroic reputation, rarely do people talk about his daughter Panee. At the age of just 14, she risked her life alongside her father to help those same prisoners of war.
Time and time again, historical narratives ignore the lives and accomplishments of women. With our schools, media and online resources full of male-dominated history, Unesco Bangkok, in partnership with the Wikimedia Foundation, invites students, professionals, researchers, gender-equality advocates and active members of society to participate in an "edit-a-thon" at the Unesco Bangkok office on Sukhumvit Road tomorrow on International Women's Day. The event runs from 8.30am to 4pm.
The "Women Hidden From History #Wiki4Women" event will help shed light on extraordinary unheard stories in fields ranging from philosophy to education, sciences and art.
Volunteers and mentors will document women's stories based on translations of existing Wikipedia posts, books, historical and journalistic archives, academic journals, as well as online resources to contribute to new and better-informed narratives of incredible women who have shaped our societies and their histories.
Requirements for participation:
- Bring a laptop or a tablet
- Register to Wikipedia before the event
- If you have an idea of the women you would like to feature, please bring reference materials (books, media articles, academic journals, photographs, videos, etc)
- Good understanding of English (the introductory lecture will be provided in English while the workshop will be facilitated in both English and Thai)
- Capacity to read and write in English or Thai, as well as basic computer literacy for contributing to Wikipedia
- Commitment to contribute articles on "Women Hidden From History"
For registration, visit http://bit.ly/wiki4women2019. For details, call 02-391-0577 ext 135 or email k.petchot@unesco.org.
