FSJ's Superwomen: V-Day & The Vagina Monologues

It’s February, folks, and you know what that means: V-DAY. But we don’t just mean Valentine’s Day. We’re talking vaginas. The Vagina Monologues! Presented by the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society, this must-see, one-night-only fundraising event takes place Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 7pm at the North Peace Culture Centre.

Many readers may wonder, “What pray tell is the Vagina Monologues? What does V-Day mean?” Well, The Vagina Monologues is a benefit show based on interviews with hundreds of women across the globe conducted by V-Day’s visionary creator Eve Ensler. In these interviews, Eve asked women honest and thought-provoking questions about their vaginas, and these conversations gave women the opportunity to share their stories. Some accounts were whimsical, some were serious, and all were very personal. Through the voices of these women, ‘vagina’ becomes symbolic for womanhood, for sexual empowerment, for a community of women, and for women’s strength and spirit.

The Vagina Monologues is one of seven benefit productions which promotes the cause and projects of V-Day. V-Day is a vision, a movement, a response, a demand, a process, a community, and a day. It is the global movement to stop violence against women and girls and advance grassroots anti-violence groups working to empower and unite female subjects of abuse. Over $50 million has been raised to date by communities like Fort St. John. For the past two years, the V-Day campaign has focused on supporting the women and girls of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their battle to turn the country’s widespread culture of sexual violence. A portion of the funds raised through our production will also go toward supporting these brave, beautiful women.

In our community, The Vagina Monologues raises money and awareness to support the programs and clients of the FSJ Women’s Resource Society and the V-Day campaign. As a non-profit community based charity, the proceeds from this campaign go toward our Society’s on-going activities to advocate for local women, including our Poverty Outreach Store, crisis drop-in centre, second-stage housing program and women’s health initiative. The Fort St. John campaign is made possible by compassionate and talented local women who volunteer their time to promote the V-Day movement and to engage the community in supporting the Women’s Resource Centre.

So help us support the women of Fort St. John and around the world and join us on February 20 for an evening of truth, humour, emotion, sass, and class. Tickets to The Vagina Monologues are $20 and can be purchased at any of the following locations: The North Peace Cultural Centre, the FSJ Women’s Resource Society, and Whole Wheat & Honey.

BONUS: Look out for our special V-Day Gift Packages! After all, the best way to say “I Love You” is with heart.

Photo by Jodie Ponto - A few of FSJ’s vagina warriors take a break from rehearsing for the 2010 production of The Vagina Monologues.

V-Day Reflections from FSJ's Vagina Warriors

“It amazes me and also makes me proud to see a packed house when we do The Vagina Monologues. I love that we are reaching people with the show, informing with class and heart and soul. No other show I can think of makes you cry heartbreaking tears and laugh until you almost pee your pants. Sounds like an interesting night, right?”
– Leah Landry

“People who have never seen the Monologues want to know what it’s all about – and they are often ‘nervous’ about what to expect. The thing is, nobody can really explain the show. It’s like trying to describe how a banana tastes to someone who hasn’t ever eaten one…. You will be entertained, surprised, delighted, and glad you were there!”
– Sonya Aven Wilson

“I challenge stereotypes. I educate. I push my own boundaries. I cry, laugh and get angry. I learn. I act. I raise awareness and funds for women in need in this community and around the world. I seek a support group. I grow. I reach out to the community. I fight back. I am not ashamed. I am not alone. It’s really hard to describe everything the Vagina Monologues encompasses for me, but that’s a start...”
– Samantha Butler

“Through ‘The Vagina Monologues’ I have learned to say ‘vagina’ out loud and not feel squeamish about it or feel like I’m saying a bad word…. I feel like a more aware, comfortable and conscientious woman. I became a true vagina cheerleader and lover!”
– Daria Van Dolsen
 

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