In Pontardawe Arts Centre, on February 14th, hundreds of women will join one billion women around the world in a ‘strike’ to end violence to women and girls.
This past month has seen women in India take to the streets in protest against the way women are treated in their country. Perhaps this is the first sign of the rising that Eve Ensler planned for February 14th 2013. One Billion Rising is a global movement to end all violence done to women and girls. The facts are stark: one in three women will be raped or beaten in her lifetime.
Ensler and her team have put a call out for women all over the world to join them in a day of strike. They want women to dance and to sing in the streets; to celebrate the great strength and courage of the women who have endured such travesties. But the message is clear: ENOUGH!
In Pontardawe Arts Centre a group of women will be taking to the stage in an evening of poetry, song, stories and movement. The group, who go by the name of the Valley Sisters, has worked together for the past two years to produce The Vagina Monologues in Pontardawe and Narberth. They come from all walks of life and are connected by a common passion to support women who suffer or have suffered violence. Their performances have raised over a thousand pounds for local women’s charities (Lliw Valley Women’s Aid and Hafan Cymru).
February 14th may be Valentine’s Day for many, but this year women might consider it V-Day, or as Ensler’s team call it, Vagina Day. For tickets for the event call Box Office on 01792 863722 or www.pontardaweartscentre.com. Further information about One Billion Rising can be found on http://onebillionrising.org.