Almost sixty  men, women and children attended the One Billion Rising Event yesterday in  Oliver.  They listened to a reading of ‘Rising’, a poem written by Eve Ensler specifically for this event.  They were moved by the ‘Break the Chain’  dance and many wore black and red to demonstrate solidarity with V-Day, a global activist movement to  end violence against women and girls.   There were door prizes and the Valentines Day Raffle winners were  announced.

One Billion Rising got its name because one in three women on the  planet is raped or beaten in her lifetime. That is ONE BILLION WOMEN violated. One billion daughters, mothers,  grandmothers, sisters, lovers and friends.

The V-Day movement is about raising awareness and educating millions  about the reality of violence against women and the efforts to end it.  On February 14th ~ 162 events in 100 cities across  Canada took part  in this largest day of action  in the history of V-Day.

All proceeds benefit Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centres in  Oliver/Osoyoos.

Photos and story by Ursula Wick (right)