A study recently published in a prestigious scientific journal of impact Q2 has recovered and analyzed the figure of Casilda Iturrizar, highlighting her role as a feminist and her influence on the transformation of Bilbao. The article, published in the journal Social Sciences, offers a new perspective on her impact on the society of her time and her legacy in the city. (Autor: Gonzalo Alonso de Carlos)
A woman ahead of her time
Casilda Iturrizar, a key figure in 19th century Bilbao, has remained largely forgotten by history and traditional feminist studies. However, her beneficent work and her vision of the city have left an indelible mark. Iturrizar dedicated her life and fortune to improving the living conditions of the people of Bilbao, especially the most disadvantaged sectors.
Among his most outstanding contributions are the foundation of the Basurto Hospital, the University of Deusto, the Bilbao Choral Society, the Arriaga Theater and the creation of schools for children from underprivileged families. In addition, her name lives on in one of the most emblematic green spaces of the city, the Doña Casilda Park, a lung for Bilbao that was donated by herself with the aim of providing a place of recreation accessible to all citizens.
A study that challenges invisibilization
The scientific article, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Barcelona and the University of the Basque Country, highlights how female figures of great social impact have been marginalized from the dominant feminist narrative due to their conservative and religious ideology. Through research based on surveys and interviews, the authors demonstrate that, despite her enormous contributions, Casilda Iturrizar remains an under-recognized figure even among the people of Bilbao. Older people are the most familiar with the importance of Casilda Iturrizar in the development of Bilbao, while younger people are almost completely unaware of her. This suggests that her story, despite being transmitted orally, has not been incorporated into formal education.
Among the authors of the study is Garazi López de Aguileta, a researcher at the Department of Sociology of the University of Barcelona and PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, one of the most prestigious academic institutions in education worldwide. Her participation in this research reinforces the value of the study as a significant contribution to the history and cultural identity of Bilbao.
Recovering their memory for the present
This work represents an important step in the recovery of the historical memory of women who have played a fundamental role in society, regardless of their ideology or personal beliefs. The research raises the need to revise the canon of outstanding feminist figures, incorporating those who, like Casilda Iturrizar, have fought and worked for the welfare of society without receiving the deserved recognition.
The study invites reflection on how Bilbao and its community can honor Casilda’s memory, integrating her legacy into educational plans, public spaces, and the city’s historical narrative. Beyond her name in a park, her story and her impact deserve to be an active part of Bilbao’s identity.
A more inclusive feminism
The article concludes with a call to open feminism to all women, regardless of their social, ideological or religious background, recognizing the diversity of ways in which they have worked for equality and justice. Casilda Iturrizar, with her commitment and generosity, thus joins the long list of women who have changed history, even though her name has been silenced for decades. Now, science and history are beginning to give her back her rightful place.
