The above video, One Billion Rising (Short Film) from V-Day Until the Violence Stops on Vimeo is a graphic but empowering reminder that today is a day to remember that love isn't about stuffed teddy bears and chalky heart candies. Every day millions of women around the world are subject to countless act of subjugation, domestic violence, disempowerment and rape.
This Valentine's Day and beyond, do something to empower the the mothers, daughters, sisters and lovers of the world to end violence against women. From the campaign's website, 1 Billion Rising:
"This is a global call to women survivors of violence and those who love them to gather safely in community outside places where they are entitled to justice - courthouses, police stations, government offices, school administration buildings, work places, sites of environmental injustice, military courts, embassies, places of worship, homes, or simply public gathering places where women deserve to feel safe but too often do not. It is a call to survivors to break the silence and release their stories - politically, spiritually, outrageously - through art, dance, marches, ritual, song, spoken word, testimonies and whatever way feels right."
According to figures gathered by WHO, an average of 30% of women who have been in a relationship report that they have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence by their partner and 35% of women worldwide have experienced either intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
Together we have the power to stand up against violence against women. Join the campaign. Share this video with friends. Show the women in your life that violence is not acceptable and that you believe in their strength. This Valentine's Day remember that love is more than hallmark postcards and cheap chocolates.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
