The message is loud and clear - violence against women needs to end.
With that message in mind, the women of Squamish have something special planned in their fight towards a solution in the violence against women problem.On Saturday, Mar. 6 at 7:30 p.m., the Squamish Nation Women will present a one-night-only benefit production of The Vagina Monologues as part of the V-Day 2004 worldwide campaign.
"I'm glad we're able to host it this year," said event organizer Linda Williams from Totem Hall. "There is a lot of violence that exists in the First Nations community and we're doing what we can to put an end to it."
The local beneficiary of this colorful event is the Howe Sound Women's Centre, which has been at the community forefront to stop domestic violence.
"This event is going to be a great way of bringing more awareness into the community as we work towards ways of putting an end to violence," added Williams.
In Squamish's version of the off-Broadway smash hit The Vagina Monologues, created by Eve Ensler, a combination of female adults and youth from the community will read several different monologues. The monologues will be developed around and based upon Squamish's vision of a world without violence.
V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. V-Day is an international catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise funds, and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations.
In 2003, V-day efforts saw more than 900 successful events held around the world, raising more than $4 million.
"We're very proud to be able to help with the worldwide efforts for V-Day. It's a very important issue for women and we're glad to be able to make a difference," Williams said. "We're excited to be doing whatever we can to stop violence against women."
Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door and can be purchased at Billies Bouquet, Totem Hall, Eagle Run Coffee Company or by calling 604-892-5166.
