This is our revolution: one billion rising
by Shaye DiPasquale
Cruelty, shame, oppression, trauma: the body of the woman has suffered enough. One third of the women on this Earth will be beaten or abused during their lifetimes. To put that number into perspective, one billion women will be the victims of violence. The injustices against women transcend races, ethnicities, cultures and societies alike. Violence against women has spanned thousands of years, with little effort made to squash this horrific crime against humanity. How can we make a change? How can we become the generation that finally says, “This must end”? That’s simple, we must rise.
Every February, communities across the globe gather to bring to light the prevailing violation of women’s rights. Men and women stand together outside court houses, government offices, work places and public gathering spots to demand safety and protection for women everywhere. The energy of these grassroots movements are inspiring and bold as people gather to dance and celebrate the beauty of freedom from oppression. This is creative and impactful activism at its best. This is One Billion Rising.
One Billion Rising is a campaign born out of a pre-existing movement, V-Day. Initiated on February 14, 1998, the V-Day movement organizes events and raises funds to increase awareness on the fight to end violence against women. One Billion Rising was founded in 2013 as a response to the global escalation of the influential efforts being made by V-Day activists. One Billion Rising has since become an independent movement of self-motivated activists in local communities across the world. The majority of One Billion Rising events are concentrated in February, but the outcry for justice continues to be heard throughout the year.
While attending a One Billion Rising event, one can anticipate seeing all sorts of creative interpretations of the movement. Dance in particular is a powerful way in which activists choose to express their ideas and celebrate those who have overcome instances of violence. Dancing allows survivors to take back control of their bodies and to connect with others on a deeper level. It is a revolutionary method for tapping into the poetic forms of expression which people harbor within themselves. The supporters of One Billion Rising view dancing as a fluid, contagious form of defiance - This is my body and I am in control of it.
It seems that when art and activism unite, great steps towards change become more possible. There is no denying the global camaraderie that is initiated by thousands of people raising their voices and throwing their hands up in the air. A painting, a dance, a poem: each piece of art contributes to the movement to enlighten those blinded by ignorance. Every action, big or small, drives home the message that violence is inexcusable.
Students at colleges and universities all across the U.S. rose up to stop sexual assault on campuses through #CampusRising. Young women in Lesotho created a safe space for other young women to discuss their justice issues. The Philippines, Somalia, India, Italy, Haiti and Peru are just a sampling of the countries who have hosted impressive campaigns to promote One Billion Rising’s message. The global impact of this movement has grown immensely in the two years since its inception, and activists around the world anticipate all of the great things yet to come.