Folk_dance_of_Rajasthan by Chetansoni, CC BY-SA 4.0
you’re sitting by a warm fire, captivated by the voice of your grandmother as she shares stories of ancient rituals, vibrant festivals, and beautiful traditions passed down through generations. What if we told you that these stories, carried by women for centuries, are at risk of being forgotten? This is where feminism and folklore come into play—an effort to shine a light on the vital role women play in preserving cultural heritage.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through Wiki Loves Folklore (WLF), an incredible global initiative that combines the power of feminism, photography, and storytelling to document and protect our cultural traditions. You’ll discover how this initiative is empowering women worldwide to share their stories, why it matters, and how you can get involved.
What is Wiki Loves Folklore (WLF)?
Wiki Loves Folklore (WLF) is an annual international competition aimed at preserving the world’s intangible cultural heritage. It encourages people to capture and share folklore through photos, videos, and audio recordings, making these rich traditions accessible to all. Launched in 2019, WLF is hosted on Wikimedia Commons, a platform that makes these cultural treasures freely available to everyone.
The project is aligned with UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, ensuring global efforts to protect the stories, dances, crafts, rituals, and oral traditions that define cultures around the world.
Why Feminism and Folklore Matter
Folklore is often seen as the collective memory of a community, and women have always been the backbone of this preservation. From mothers passing down tales to daughters to grandmothers teaching songs, women have historically been the keepers of culture. Yet, many times, these contributions remain underappreciated or even erased from history.
That’s where feminism comes in. Feminism isn’t just about equality—it’s about recognizing women’s essential role in all spheres of life, including the preservation of cultural heritage. By celebrating and documenting the stories of women in folklore, we ensure that their voices are heard and their contributions acknowledged.
How Wiki Loves Folklore Empowers Women
Wiki Loves Folklore is not just a competition; it’s a movement. This global initiative encourages everyone to contribute photographs, videos, or audio that capture folklore in all its forms—especially highlighting the vital role of women in these traditions. Whether it’s a woman performing a traditional dance, weaving a craft, or sharing an oral story, WLF shines a spotlight on women’s cultural contributions and gives them a global platform.
By contributing to WLF, you’re not just preserving culture—you’re empowering women to have their stories told and celebrated on a global stage.
How You Can Get Involved in Wiki Loves Folklore 2025
Participating in Wiki Loves Folklore 2025 is simple, and anyone can join! Here’s how you can help preserve and share the world’s folklore:
- Sign up on Wikimedia Commons: It’s free and easy to create an account.
- Share Your Media: Upload photographs, videos, or audio recordings that showcase folklore—especially focusing on women’s contributions to culture.
- License Your Media: Make sure your submissions are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, so they can be freely shared and adapted by others.
The competition runs from February 1 to March 31, 2025. Not only is it a chance to preserve important traditions, but you could also win exciting prizes while doing so!
Win Prizes by Sharing Folklore
Not only will your contribution to Wiki Loves Folklore help preserve cultural traditions, but it could also earn you amazing prizes! Here are the categories and rewards:
| Category | Prize |
| Photo | 1st Prize: $500 USD |
| 2nd Prize: $400 USD | |
| 3rd Prize: $300 USD | |
| 4th Prize: $200 USD | |
| 5th Prize: $100 USD | |
| Top 10 Noteworthy Contribution Prizes: $50 USD each | |
| Video | 1st Video Prize (Best Oral Storytelling): $150 USD |
| 2nd Video Prize (Best Video Storytelling): $100 USD | |
| 3rd Video Prize (Sustainable Folklore Video): $100 USD | |
| Audio | 1st Audio Prize (Overall Best): $150 USD |
| 2nd Audio Prize (Best Folklore Podcast Series): $150 USD | |
| Community (Top Uploader) | 1st Prize: $250 USD |
| 2nd Prize: $150 USD | |
| 3rd Prize: $100 USD | |
| Community (Volunteer Excellence) | Gift Voucher & Certificate |
| Community | Wiki Loves Folklore Postcards (Top 100 uploaders) |
| Regional | Champion Award: $150 USD |
| Runner-Up Award: $100 USD | |
| Contributor Award: $50 USD |
Get started today and become a part of preserving global folklore while earning amazing rewards!
The Feminism and Folklore Writing Competition
Alongside the photography and media competition, Wiki Loves Folklore also hosts the Feminism and Folklore Writing Competition. This contest focuses on creating and improving articles on Wikipedia about women’s contributions to folklore and gender-related themes.
By participating in this writing competition, you’ll help bridge the gap between feminism and folklore while ensuring that the stories of women—often the heart of folklore—are represented on one of the world’s most widely read platforms.
Why You Should Participate in Wiki Loves Folklore 2025
Still wondering why, you should get involved in Wiki Loves Folklore 2025? Here are some key reasons:
- Preserve Cultural Heritage: Your contributions help safeguard traditions, ensuring they’re passed down to future generations.
- Champion Gender Representation: By focusing on women’s roles in folklore, you’re contributing to gender equality in cultural documentation.
- Gain Global Recognition: Your contributions could be showcased across Wikimedia platforms, reaching millions of people worldwide.
- Celebrate Diversity: You’ll join a global community of contributors passionate about preserving the diverse cultures that make up our world.
Final Thoughts
Wiki Loves Folklore is about more than just preserving traditions—it’s about celebrating women’s contributions to folklore and ensuring they’re recognized as integral to the cultural heritage of communities worldwide. By participating, you’re not only helping document and preserve folklore—you’re empowering women to share their voices on a global platform.
So, get involved in Wiki Loves Folklore 2025 today! Share your stories, your photographs, and your love for culture. Let’s celebrate the rich, diverse, and vibrant tapestry of our world’s folklore—and ensure that women’s voices are heard for generations to come.
To Support us, email us at support@wikilovesfolklore.org
