The V-Day revolution: One Billion Rising

By Kelly Jirsa

A woman raises a finger to the air as she dances with others to the theme song of the "One Billion Rising" campaign in New York City's Washington Square Park on Valentines Day. REUTERS/Mike Segar
A woman raises a finger to the air as she dances with others to the theme song of the "One Billion Rising" campaign in New York City's Washington Square Park on Valentines Day. REUTERS/Mike Segar
On Valentine's Day each year people take to the streets to demand better safety for women and girls.

1 in 3 women worldwide will be physically abused or raped during their lifetime. This is a truly horrifying statistic.

On February 14, local communities, universities, and the steps of government buildings world-wide will be the site of bold demonstrations and rallying in the fight against violence towards women and girls. The coordinated protests are a part of the campaign One Billion Rising, that calls for better action and policies to address this shocking statistic. This year the campaign rolls out across the world on and around Valentine’s Day and includes a diverse range of events, from panel talks, flash mob dances, movies, and poster art exhibitions.

The campaign, that launched on Valentine’s Day in 2012, began as a call to action following the release of the staggering 1 in 3 statistic, which equates to one billion women and girls based on the global population (at the time seven billion).

Heather Munro Pierce, a dance teacher with One Billion Rising, leads a group of inmate in dancing in opposition of violence against women at the San Francisco County Jail 2013. REUTERS/Stephen Lam
Heather Munro Pierce, a dance teacher with One Billion Rising, leads a group of inmate in dancing in opposition of violence against women at the San Francisco County Jail 2013. REUTERS/Stephen Lam

 

One Billion Rising organisers would like to see the campaign become the “biggest mass action in human history”, they asks people to ‘rise’ up in revolutionary type action as they believe that the need for justice has escalated and continues to do so.

“We’ve danced, we’ve demanded justice, we’ve demanded changes. This year we are radicalising our actions — enlarging, deepening and expanding the revolution. Let’s continue to shift consciousness and be braver, bolder, more creative and determined with our actions. Communities will focus on the most marginalised women and girls to bring about true, long lasting change.”

Monique Wilson, Global One Billion Rising Director.

See what activities are happening in your area at Find One Billion Rising events.

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