COHI Reflects on V-day 2008

According to its landmark multi-country study on women's health and violence against women, the World Health Organization reports that between 15 and 71% of women indicate that they have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Gender-based violence is a major human rights issue throughout the world that has profound implications for physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health. Circle of Health International (COHI) works to bring light to this issue in crisis settings through its global efforts to build the capacity of women's healthcare professionals. Through partnership with COHI, healthcare professionals are better prepared to meet the health needs of women experiencing violence at the hands of a partner, a friend, a stranger, at times of unrest, and in their own homes.


Actor in the New York City performance of "A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, and a Prayer"

In 2008, COHI had the honor of collaborating with women around the world in support of gender-based violence programming through productions of award-winning playwright Eve Ensler's productions, "A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant and a Prayer" and "The Vagina Monologues". With the commitment and energy of many tenacious supporters and talented actors, performances were held in New York City, North Carolina, and Israel with Ensler's V-day campaign to stop violence against women and girls. Hundreds attended these performances in support of the international movement to raise awareness until the violence stops. Over $50,000 was raised through the 2008 performances. Proceeds are now supporting COHI's programming in gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS and Safe Motherhood.

"Saturday mornings usually don't find me up and at 'em. After a few weeks of working with the COHI/VDay crowd, though, I looked forward to our Saturday morning planning meetings as the highlight of my week. I've never worked with a more motivated, supportive, competent, and kind-hearted group of people in my life. This cause - and this group of people - brought out the best in each of us, and every single person in the room made a real, meaningful contribution.."
-- Matt Bieber, performer, NYC performance

We could not celebrate this victory without acknowledging all of the bearing witness, tenderness, laughter, sweat and tears that went into the V-day performances. Thank you to all of the directors, actors, businesses, attendees, and activists for all of your support. We are overjoyed to have connections with so many committed people around the globe and we at COHI are hopeful that as we all continue to fight violence in its many forms we can share our successes.

Our hope is to keep the unstoppable momentum going and to continue to raise awareness through V-day performances in 2009. If you are interested in organizing a performance in your area, donating auction items from your business, or applying for the Coordinator position for 2009 V-day efforts within COHI, please email: info[at]cohintl.org with your CV.


Representatives from the COHI productions attending the "V to the 10th" conference in New Orleans

On behalf of the courageous women we at COHI humbly serve, we are so proud to share news of these recent collaborative successes with you. We thank you for your continued support, and look forward to sharing further news of our developments as we all work together to make the world a safer place for all of its residents.

Warmly,
Jacquelyn Caglia, MPH
Public Relations Coordinator
jacque[at]cohintl.org
www.cohintl.org

Circle of Health International is a 501c3 nonprofit organization supporting the empowerment of conflict- and disaster-affected women through the provision of women's health initiatives. Learn more and get involved at www.cohintl.org.