Petaluma Va-jay-jay Warriors

Introduced to the world by Eve Ensler, the Vagina Monologues was a series of women’s stories that depicted scenes of a first menstruation, the aftermath of rape, finding beauty in something “ugly”, and supporting empowerment for women by exposing “secrets” kept behind closed doors to the public.

Since then, the screenplay has developed into the V-Day movement – where events are held worldwide between February 1 and April 30 in efforts to spread the word and offer support for women, while also raising money for such charities like rape crisis centers or impoverished countries where women are being mistreated. This year, the focus is on the women and girls of Haiti, highlighting the high levels of violence against Haitian females, and focusing on the increased rates of sexual violence since 2010′s devastating earthquake.

Locally, V-Day is being celebrated in Petaluma through several different events and venues.  From an art show to a reproduction of the Vagina Monologues, here are some ways you can support the cause of V-Day and celebrate womanhood.

Vagina Monologues
March 1, 2, 3: 7:15pm (all nights)
Performed live by local actors, the show will be held at the Pelican Art Gallery (143 Petaluma Blvd).  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at BrownPaperTickets.com.

Miss Representation
March 13, 7pm
The exposé introduced at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival on how females are depicted by various forms of media, and how American tweens and teens are being given the concept that women and girls’ value lies in their youth, beauty and sexuality.  (Catch a preview HERE).  $10 21+, $5 for under 21.  Showing at Petaluma Blvd Theaters at 200 C Street.

V-Day Art Show
Feb 9-March 21
Local art, including photographs, collages, paintings, and more, will be on display during business hours at Viva Cocolat (143 Petlauma Blvd).  The art pieces depict a positive expression of women, an expression of what the V-Day movement means to them, and a symbolic representation of women’s empowerment and prevention of violence against women and girls.

For more information on the local V-Day movement, what it means, and how you can be a part of it, visit v-daypetaluma.org.