The Women's Conference: Eve Ensler

Playwright, performer, and V-Day founder Eve Ensler just spoke about the power of women and girls, and she began by asking, "Are there any vaginas in the house?" She got huge applause and laughter with that!

Eve says that these are dangerous and potent times.  We are seeing, "Insane outbreaks of violence against women and girls.  I actually believe we're on a precipice.  A new paradigm is struggling to break forth."

However, "Dangerous times require brave, bold, passionate responses."

Eve says repeatedly that she believes that the future is in the hands of women and girls, but we can't give up our power. 

"We wait to be rescued, we forget what we know.  I'm here today to suggest a new verb.  Rather than please, I suggest we provoke...Know yourself truly and take responsibility for who you are."

Eve says she's been to over 60 countries around the world and rape is an epidemic, whether it's women raped in war zones or on college campuses.  She tells the story of a 14 year old girl who wanted to avoid genital mutilation and didn't want to be sold by her father in exchange for cows.  The girl ran away, she walked and slept outside for two days till she could get to a safe area.  She got educated and supported.

Eve makes the point that the girl rescued herself.  She tells the audience, "No one is coming to rescue you...Learn how to drive a stick shift!"  -- That gets a LOT of laughter from the crowd.

"Decide whether you want to be liked or admired." 

"Be braver, be bolder, stand up, resist.  If women don't find their voices and break through, there's a very good chance humanity will not survive."

Eve closed by performing a piece from her new work, I Am An Emotional Creature, which is out in February 2010.  Her organization, V-Day, is a global movement to end violence against women and girls.  The organization has raised $70 million dollars and educates through arts and activism.

Written by Liz Dwyer aka Los Angelista.

Post sponsored by Lean Cuisine