One Billion Risen!
On February 14, 2013, at 12:00 p.m., ONE BILLION RISING – Des Moines rallied more than 50 dancers and numerous supporters for a flash mob at Valley West Mall. ONE BILLION RISING, the largest day of action in the history of V-Day, began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls.
The flash mob was led by rockstar Jen Kees, owner of Kees Camp Fitness Studio, and made possible by additional support from Hollaback!, the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Drake University’s Office of Sexual Assault Response, Screenscape Studios, and Valley West Mall.
Meanwhile, around the world, our sister HOLLA’s did some equally awesome things!
Hollaback Gent, Belgium coordinated a flash mob, dance workshop, and afterparty w/ performances, DJ sets, exhibitions and an auction in partnership with One Billion Rising Ghent.
Hollaback Czech did a photo project where they will gather on the steps of the National Museum on Wenceslas Square and silently rise. Gail will speak and her co-organizer will recite Eve’s new piece. They are working in coalition with One Billion Rising Prague, which includes members Ozvi se! / HollaBack! Czech, V-Day Prague International Voice, Czech Women’s Lobby, and proFem.
Hollaback Brussels coordinated a “Circle of Women and Those that Love Them,” outside on the street where they will share ideas on what a world in which we rise looks like. The event was followed by a short ‘chalk-walk’ where attendees, armed with chalk, made clear that a world without street harassment is not OK! Their walk ended with live music will play and a dance party!
Hollaback Baltimore, MD, USA tabled at the One Billion Rising Reception after a performance of the Vagina Monologues at the Maryland Institute College of Art.
Hollaback Richmond, VA, USA coordinated a march and holding a benefit at a local lesbian bar.
Hollaback Italia coordinated a flash mob in Milan city centre together with other women’s organizations, including One Billion Rising Milan.
Hollaback Sheffield, UK. Site leaders Kate Blamire and Maria Cansella are helping out with One Billion Rising in Sheffield UK, and doing a reading of ‘True’ at the Sheffield One Billion Rising performance of ‘A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer.’”
Hollaback Dresden, Germany hosted a public dance!
Hollaback Victoria, Canada met in Bastion Square and danced their way to Library Square in coordination with their partners: One Billion Rising Victoria, Sexual Assault Centre, and Women’s Transition House and Island Sexual Health.
Hollaback Chandigarh, India hosted a panel and a self-defense workshop, street-play and dances!
Hollaback San Francisco, CA, USA did a flash mob Prayerdance at the Civic Center Demonstration with partners El Rio, One Billion Rising SF, Code Pink, NOW SF, Global exchange, NCLRights, Amnesty International, APIQWTC, QWOCMAP, Hollaback! SF, CSC, Fabulosa, Mango, and SFDK.
And we’re not done yet! Reminder that you can still catch a performance of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues at Drake University tonight or tomorrow at 7 p.m., where we will be tabling! Come find us to share your story and snag some free chocolate! Ticket prices are $5, and proceeds go to Monsoon United Asian Women of Iowa.
See you soon!
Becca
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