Support One Billion Rising

One in three women in the world will be raped or beaten in her lifetime. That adds up to more than one billion women - and girls. That's one billion mothers, daughters, sisters, partners and friends violated.

How is this possible? And what can we do to change this horrifying statistic and make this a safer place for our daughters, our granddaughers, our great-granddaughters?

Our forums have been alive of late with plans and discussion of how gransnetters are planning to support this campaign. The world finally sat up and took notice after the tragic gang rape in India. But this is an issue that affects everyone all over the world. In Britain, at least 750,000 children a year witness domestic violence and on average two women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner. Rape and violence against women takes place in all countries, in all cultures, which is why we gransnetters feel so strongly about One Billion Rising and urge you to take part in some way - big or small - to show your support.  

What is it?

One Billion Rising began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic above. Initiated by playwright Eve Ensler, creator of the Vagina Monologues, it is a call to men and women to refuse to accept violence against women as inevitable or a fact of life. It is also an act of solidarity, demonstrating to women their shared struggle, whoever they are, whatever language they speak.  

On February 14, 2013, V-Day’s 15^th anniversary, we’re urging gransnetters to join activists, writers, thinkers, celebrities and other public figures (everyone from Robert Redford to Stella Creasy are showing their support), to join this campaign in defiance of the injustices women suffer. 

What you can do?

One Billion Rising is urging people to take the opportunity on the 14th February to step away from their everyday lives and show their support by marching, dancing, protesting in a collective show of strength. 

Here are some ideas to get you going: 

• Watch the video above - it's sure to inspire you to put on your dancing shoes!
• Stage a rising in your community or office. Put on some music and dance.
• Take part in an event near you - see this map for details. 
• Spread the word - talk about it with your friends, your families, your colleagues, and on Gransnet. If you're on Twitter and Facebook, use the hashtag #1billionrising and show your support.
• Share your plans with others supporting the campaign.

Video produced by Eve Ensler and V-Day, directed by Tony Stroebel, written and produced by Tena Clark with music by Tena Clark and Tim Heintz, and featuring dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen.