V-Day Oliver-Osoyoos is organizing their main fundraiser, a production of the award winning play “The Vagina Monologues” coming up on April 6th.

“We are pleased to announce that we have had incredible support from local women,” says co-director Marji Basso. “We have 18 local women who are going to be in the play.”

“It has been a very inspiring group to be a part of, with women as young as 16 to our eldest being 65+,” Basso said.

This award-winning play, written by author playwright Eve Ensler, is full of humor and grace.

“The piece celebrates women’s sexuality and strength,” says co-director Tiffany Beckedorf.  “It is powerful to witness and be a part of creating.”

Through this play and the liberation of the word “vagina,” countless women throughout the world have taken control of their bodies and their lives. For more than 12 years, The Vagina Monologues has given voice to experiences and feelings not previously exposed in public.

“Everybody involved in the play is volunteering.  We hope to raise about $3,000 to $4,000.  Ninety per cent of the profits will go to local Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre, which has programs to help women and girls,” said Basso. “The other ten percent goes to V-Day, our parent organization which uses funds towards raising awareness about abuse.”

According to worldwide statistics, one in three women will be beaten or raped in their lifetime.

“This is completely astounding and unacceptable,” says Beckedorf.   “One of the monologues in the play expresses the pain and anger of a woman who endured such abuse.  It brings you to tears.”

Other monologues are about coming of age, the journey of self-discovery, and giving birth.  “It’s what defines us as being female,” says Basso.   “A must see for all women.   It is for men too, a definite eye-opener about what it means to be a woman.”

The performance of The Vagina Monologues will be held on April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Osoyoos Secondary School theatre.  Tickets are $20 and available in Oliver at Beyond Bliss and Lady’Os Fitness, and in Osoyoos at Office Pro and JoJo’s Café. For more information, go to www.vdayoliverosoyoos.org.