By Jackie Perito
“Let us stop abuse” was the main message at Wednesday’s brunch to help raise funds for the production of the “Vagina Monologues,” and for the effort against abuse towards women.
Womyn of Action and the Association for Women in Communication are collaborating for this year’s celebration of V-day. So far $5,000 has been raised to support the movement. According to director Christina Martin, a sophomore broadcast journalism major, both organizations hope to reach the goal of $12,000 by the end of the production.
“It is amazing to see that people at Hofstra are taking part of the women’s movement by coming out to see the show and supporting the fundraisers, because we are all activists in our own ways,” senior Lara Dakwar said.
Nashay Jones, a first year graduate student at the University and a member of the cast, spoke at the brunch and shared her experiences with sexual abuse and how she prevailed over it. She explained that her past moved her to become involved in the show, which she says will help overcome her personal experience.
Jones also shared with the audience the details of her stepfather’s abuse as the audience grew silent and emotional. She spoke of her mother’s disbelief and how she just “dealt with” getting sexually abused for more than nine years. Yet, in spite of her difficulties, Jones said that she knew she had to be strong, which lead her to go on and graduate from her high school as among the top 10 of her class.
Janine Janson, another member of the cast, said that she believes the Vagina Monologues will force the issue to be heard.
“[It is] a great opportunity to empower women, and it puts issues out there that aren’t talked about often. It is even good for guys to go to so that they can learn about what women feel,” Janson said.
The cast and crew expressed their intent to reach out to more students and faculty. “The Vagina Monologues” is opening on Feb. 23 and will run through Feb. 25. WOA and the Association for Women are hosting several fundraisers, which include a Mocktail Party and a sex toy auction on Valentine’s Day.
Martin said that they are trying to “get the word out” about abuse. All proceeds go to support the cause.