“Vagina” is not a dirty word.

One should not be made to feel ashamed, inferior or sinful because she has a vagina and embraces that vagina. Women all over the world are suffering; vaginas are suffering. And now, they are speaking out.

The week of Feb. 11 to Feb. 17 marks the 10th annual V-Day celebration.

During this week, thousands of individuals from more than 120 countries speak out and act out by participating in the V-Day campaign, which works across the world to end violence against women and girls.

V-Day is a catalyst for creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations.” V-Day also generates attention for efforts to stop violence against women and girls; this includes rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation and sexual slavery.

The main event to increase awareness and raise money is a performance of “The Vagina Monologues,” a collection of dramatic performances that talk about-you guessed it-vaginas. Author and V-Day campaign founder Eve Ensler wrote “The Vagina Monologues” after interviewing women of all ages from all over the world.

I have not always been such a staunch supporter of “The Vagina Monologues;” I am a recent convert. Two years ago, I felt uncomfortable hearing the word “vagina” so much. I was ignorant. I had never actually seen “The Vagina Monologues,” and I did no research about the cause or the production. All I knew, I learned from the hearsay of those who spoke out against it. They told me that the Catholic Church did not support the play. So, neither did I.

But over the years, as I started talking to more people and learning more about women’s issues, sexism and violence against women, I took another look at “The Vagina Monologues.” I realized that people I highly respected were involved in and passionate about the cause. As I explored the issues for myself and reflected on women I knew and loved who had suffered violence, I also became a passionate supporter.
Yes, some of the monologues might make you uncomfortable. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I think that helps increase awareness.

This year, Saint Louis University students involved in the V-Day campaign are excited to offer a new performance, titled “A Memory, Monologue, Rant, and a Prayer.” This performance, based on stories from men and women all over the world, demands an end to sexism and violence against women.

Performances of “A Memory, Monologue, Rant, and a Prayer” will take place on Feb. 15 and 16 in Tegeler Auditorium on Frost Campus, beginning at 7 pm. Performances of “The Vagina Monologues” will take place on Feb. 11 and 12 at Jazz at the Bistro (across from the Fabulous Fox Theatre), beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets for both shows cost $10 and are available through cast members or at the door if the show is not sold out.

The V-Day campaign, “The Vagina Monologues” and “A Memory, Monologue, Rant, and a Prayer” raise money for both local and national organizations that help to end violence against women.

This year’s proceeds from SLU’s participation benefit Karen House, the St. Louis Catholic Worker house that offers hospitality to homeless women and their children; Women’s Safe House; and the city of New Orleans, the focus for this year’s campaign.

These organizations and locations are working hard to help women, but they cannot do it alone. Together, with your help and support, we can “celebrate, activate, and change the story of women.” I am proud to be a part of the V-Day campaign, and I am blessed to be able to work with a group of incredible SLU women who strive to end violence against women.

I am thankful for the men who walk with us in this struggle, who raise their voices to oppose violence against women.

I speak out, along with my fellow men and women, for those whose voices have been silenced. I am asking you to listen, and not to turn a deaf ear to the cries of women all over the world.

So come, experience “The Vagina Monologues” and “A Memory, Monologue, Rant, and A Prayer.” Acknowledge the injustice that exists, and then do something to change it.

These productions, powerful and beautiful, inspiring and heartbreaking, like the lives upon which they are based, prove that “vagina” is not a dirty word, and that it is nothing to be ashamed of.

Jennifer Lay is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences.