15 years ago Eve Ensler's play the Vagina Monologues turned into V-Day, a campaign to end violence against women and girls. 15 years later she created One Billion Rising, proving 1 person can get 1 billion people to rise up and say stop it, no more violence. Today we pledge to do something to make non violence a reality. I am proud to have been there 15 years ago and proud today as the movement continues.
I performed on the steps of ABC carpet + home as a One Billion Rising flashmob arrived. Deepak Chopra spoke passionately about the importance of this movement. A truly amazing moment for me to be sharing his energy and wisdom. Later I went to Hammerstein Ballroom for the big 4 hour NYC event. It was videoed and you can watch it here. My performance comes in at 3:12.
Deepak Chopra excites the crowd saying "a new revolution for humanity," on the steps of ABC carpet + Home before I sang my song Rise Up
flashmob outside ABC carpet + Home
Hammerstein Ballroom One Billion Rising event
photos by Nousha Salimi
From Eve Ensler:
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Thank You ONE BILLION RISING For Rocking The World To all of our activists, regardless of how you rose THANK YOU for making 14 February 2013 the largest global action in history to end violence against women and girls! “Together on 14 February, we expressed our outrage and joy and our firm global call for a world where women are free and safe and cherished and equal. One Billion Rising brought together coalitions of groups and individuals that have never worked together before and galvanized new supporters and associations and masses of men who were not previously engaged, but now see violence as their issue. It did all of this while putting violence against women to the center of the global discussion. One Billion Rising has broken taboos, lifted the veil of silence, and inspired a radical outpouring of support to reveal the worldwide system of patriarchy, which sustains the violence. One Billion Rising has shown that violence against women is not a national, tribal, ethnic, or religious issue, but a global phenomenon, and that through this worldwide rising and support, survivors can be given the confidence of knowing that violence is not their fault.” – Eve Ensler Today we celebrate these victories, and we hope you do to. Now ask yourself WHAT CAN I DO IMMEDIATELY TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS - and then go out and DO IT! One Billion Rising was always conceived to be a catalyst and a wind rather than a new organization. So use it to fuel your next activities, you can: PLAN local actions for International Women's Day (8 March), STAGE a V-Day benefit in your community, WORK for political action in your community or country like the VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) effort in the U.S. |