Join people in over 200 countries, to create a story that turns pain into joy, using music, dance, and awareness through One Billion Rising.
During the annual global event held on or around Valentine’s Day, crowds dance to the song Break the Chain to break the chain of violence against women and children, repeating the story, and aiming to, as per this year’s theme, Raise the Vibration.
The name One Billion Rising comes from its creator Eve Ensler and the United Nations’ report from the World Health Organisation, telling us that one in three women on the planet will experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.
The inspiration for changing life’s narrative from pain to joy comes from the women in the City of Joy in the Congo, also co-founded by Eve Ensler, and 2018’s Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr Denis Mukwege, where the women came from being victims of war to dancing together in joy.
Here at home, Noosa’s former Senior Sergeant Ben Carroll advises that 60 to 70 per cent of police time is spent responding to domestic violence matters.
Endeavouring to create awareness and change in Noosa, the group gathers together with drums and song, in a family friendly environment.
The local dance is only a little over four minutes long and it is so much fun that they do it twice.
This year they will be connecting on Friday 17 February, between 5-6pm, at the Noosa Surf Club forecourt.
Wear solid black, red or white to show solidarity.
If you’d like to dance, you can learn the dance at free rehearsals at the Noosa Leisure Centre Noosa from 7 February. Previous dance experience not required.
Rehearsal dates:
Noosa Leisure Centre upstairs room: Tuesday 7 Feb 6.15pm to 7.30pm; Thursday 9 Feb 3pm to 5pm; Tuesday 14 Feb 6.15pm to 7.30pm; Wednesday 15 Feb 3pm to 5pm.
Details of sessions are on facebook.com/onebillionrisingnoosa/. Or you can contact Peppie Simpson on 0408 197 879.
Further information onebillionrising.org
If you feel anxious or afraid around your partner call now for support. DV CONNECT 1800 811 811 or emergency call 000.
