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One Billion Rising - Music and Dance Against Gender Violence

Global (200+ countries), Multi-Regional

One Billion Rising is a global campaign founded by Eve Ensler (V-Day movement) using music and dance to end violence against women - referencing the UN statistic that 1 in 3 women will be raped or beaten in their lifetime. The campaigns anthem Break the Chain (written by Tena Clark, choreography by Debbie Allen) has been translated into 15+ languages. A 2020 anthem We Are Rising by social justice artist Taina Asili celebrates collective resistance. Annual events on February 14th involve millions of activists in 200+ countries dancing and demanding systemic change. Impact includes Guatemala classifying pregnancy under 16 as rape, and Bosnia investigating wartime rapes. Dance is seen as disruptive, joyful artistic resistance that helps survivors reclaim their bodies.

Behavior Goal

Mobilize global solidarity against gender-based violence through creative musical resistance and demand systemic policy changes

Implementers & Partners

  • V-Day Movement
  • One Billion Rising Campaign
  • Eve Ensler

Donors & Sponsors

  • V-Day Foundation
  • Individual donors
  • Partner organizations

Key Takeaways

  • 1Break the Chain anthem translated into 15+ languages
  • 2Millions of activists in 200+ countries participate annually
  • 3Dance as disruptive, joyful artistic resistance
  • 4Policy wins: Guatemala pregnancy law, Bosnia wartime rape investigations
  • 5Survivors reclaim bodies through collective movement
  • 6New anthems keep movement fresh (We Are Rising 2020)

Sources

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