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The Vagina Monologues
February 17, 2009
Vagina is not a bad word, said PLU junior Briana Gedrich.
“It’s something special,” she said.
And during the Vagina Monologues last week, it became more than anatomy. As part of V-Day, and no not Valentines Day but a day of awareness for the violence women face throughout the world, about 50 students took charge in bringing awareness to the violent horrors women face in other countries and even here at home.
“It’s to give awareness to women and girls who are being victimized,” Gedrich said, who also produced the show.
During the second year event and as part of V-Day, the group spotlighted the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Proceeds from performances and money raised through a raffle went to help fight the violence Congo women face everyday.
Rubber is one of the Congo’s main exports, Gedrich said. And it’s also used in cell phones.
Every time enough rubber is harvested for one cell phone a Congo woman has been raped by 50 men, she said.
Although the harvesting of rubber may not be directly related to violence against women, the comparison is meant to illustrate the amount of violence that occurs against Congo women.
“It makes you re-think about having a cell phone," Gedrich said. “I never really realized how women are treated throughout the world.”
But it’s not all blatant violent acts, she said. Sexual harassment can be common, but is definitely oppressive and although not violent a direct correlation to the plight against women.
At PLU there have been great strides in advocacy against violence through such organizations as the Women’s Center, Voices Against Violence and Men Against Violence.
“There are some people who truly embrace what we have here,” Gedrich said.
She hopes what has started continues and grows. The Vagina Monologue isn’t supposed to a shock and awe campaign, she said, but a chance to feel empowered and not just for women either but also men who want to take a stance.
Campus Voice Editor Chris Albert compiled this report. Comments, questions, ideas? Please contact him at ext. 8691 or at albertct@plu.edu. Photo by University Photographer Jordan Hartman.
And during the Vagina Monologues last week, it became more than anatomy. As part of V-Day, and no not Valentines Day but a day of awareness for the violence women face throughout the world, about 50 students took charge in bringing awareness to the violent horrors women face in other countries and even here at home.
“It’s to give awareness to women and girls who are being victimized,” Gedrich said, who also produced the show.
During the second year event and as part of V-Day, the group spotlighted the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Proceeds from performances and money raised through a raffle went to help fight the violence Congo women face everyday.
Rubber is one of the Congo’s main exports, Gedrich said. And it’s also used in cell phones.
Every time enough rubber is harvested for one cell phone a Congo woman has been raped by 50 men, she said.
Although the harvesting of rubber may not be directly related to violence against women, the comparison is meant to illustrate the amount of violence that occurs against Congo women.
“It makes you re-think about having a cell phone," Gedrich said. “I never really realized how women are treated throughout the world.”
But it’s not all blatant violent acts, she said. Sexual harassment can be common, but is definitely oppressive and although not violent a direct correlation to the plight against women.
At PLU there have been great strides in advocacy against violence through such organizations as the Women’s Center, Voices Against Violence and Men Against Violence.
“There are some people who truly embrace what we have here,” Gedrich said.
She hopes what has started continues and grows. The Vagina Monologue isn’t supposed to a shock and awe campaign, she said, but a chance to feel empowered and not just for women either but also men who want to take a stance.
Campus Voice Editor Chris Albert compiled this report. Comments, questions, ideas? Please contact him at ext. 8691 or at albertct@plu.edu. Photo by University Photographer Jordan Hartman.