Edurne Salsamendi: “They told me women couldn't be Club Members”

Edurne Salsamendi was just 24 years old when, in 1972, she went to the Athletic Club's headquarters with the intention of becoming a Club Member. However, they wouldn't let her register as a Member, informing her that women did not have that right.

From a family of Athleticzales and the daughter of Club Members, Edurne used to attend matches at San Mamés from a very young age, but on this occasion she came up against a wall of obsolete statutes and a sexist society.

Far from giving up, Salsamendi started an almost decade long struggle for gender equality at the Club. Thanks to her work, in 1979, upon Beti Duñabeitia becoming president of the Club, new statutes were approved that finally allowed women to become full Members.

Athletic Club, on the occasion of International Women's Day, wanted to highlight Edurne's story. Firstly, as a sign of recognition and gratitude. And secondly, because her story should be remembered by previous generations and known by current generations.

Thanks to people like Edurne Salsamendi, Basque society has made great strides when it comes to gender equality. There is still a long way to go, and the inspiration of women like Edurne Salsamendi should serve as an example for the present and for the future.

Athletic Club Women team photo

In this 125th anniversary year, the Club wanted Athletic Club Women's team photo to be all about women. After all, for long periods of time, women have been deprived of a leading role that rightfully belongs to them. Without iconic women footballers before turn of the century, the challenge was to pay homage to all the women who have made Athletic better throughout its history. It is a recognition to the pioneers, to those who in one way or another paved the way.

Naturally, Edurne Salsamendi is one of those women. Edurne is joined on the poster by journalist Sara Estévez, former president Ana Urquijo and former Lionesses Iraia Iturregi, Nerea Onaindia, Ainhoa Tirapu, Tzibi Juaristi, Irune Murua and Arrate Orueta.

Other Club initiatives for March 8th

Along with the tribute to Edurne Salsamendi, Athletic Club has planned the following initiatives for International Women's Day:

• San Mames will light up in purple on March 8th.
• Before this Sunday's match at Lezama between Athletic Club and Valencia FCF (12:00 CET), players from both clubs will will wear purple armbands and pose with a March 8th protest banner.
• Furthermore, prior to the match at Lezama, March ambassador Honey Thaljieh will receive the Athletic Club's commemorative badge.