The Vagina Monologues empowers women, sheds light on sexual assault.

By Nantanaa Mutharasu

Women around the world have two things in common: their vaginas and likelihood of experiencing sexual assault at least once in their lifetime.

The University of Windsor’s law students took the issue to centre stage, and presented The Vagina Monologues at the Capitol Theatre on Feb. 15, 2017.

The Vagina Monologues is an international phenomenon created by Eve Ensler, a Tony Award winning playwright, performer and activist. She is also the founder of V-day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls around the world.

“By end of tonight you will be used to the word vagina because you will be hearing it about 7000 times,” said host Dina Finkelshtein during her introduction.

Directed by Tori-Lee Jenkins, this year’s spotlight is on violence at the workplace for women.

“One in every three women experience sexual assault,” said Carol Branget, a social worker at the Sexual Assault Crisis Center.

Branget explains that it is important for parents to empower their kids from an early age about their body and to not let anyone touch their body without their consent.

She adds that speaking about sexuality is still a taboo topic in modern society and this play gives a platform for women to speak up.

“It’s meant to be an empowering show for women,”Branget said. “There are some funny parts to it but it also touches upon those raw, painful events around assault and abuse and I do think it gives women an opportunity to have a dialogue about that.”

The play consisted of 17 scenes, performed by women. It received a standing ovation and boasted record-breaking ticket sales.

“We definitely made more than last year,” said Anchal Bhatia, chair of The Vagina Monologues. “Last year we made $6,300 and this year we made around $10,000.”

The money raised will benefit sexual assault organizations. Ninety percent of the proceeds will go to the Sexual Assault Crisis Center and the rest will go to the broader V-Day campaign.

“It will go toward enhancing services for our clients,” said Branget.

Sexual assault is a serious crime and the Sexual Assault Crisis Center has been striving to prevent sexual assault in our society. They also offer a 24-hour Crisis Line at (519)253-9667.