LIHUE — One billion. That’s how many women will be beaten or raped in their lifetime — one out of every three. The numbers are staggering. And Kauai, unfortunately, is not an exception. “It is an issue that we face
LIHUE — One billion.
That’s how many women will be beaten or raped in their lifetime — one out of every three.
The numbers are staggering. And Kauai, unfortunately, is not an exception.
“It is an issue that we face in our community,” said Chelsea Crapser of YWCA of Kauai. “But it’s not just happening here. It’s what a billion people around the world are experiencing.”
On Valentine’s Day, as part of the global community, YWCA will host “One Billion Rising.” Now in its second year, it will be held at Kapaa Beach Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Crapser said it’s important that people attend and stand up against domestic and sexual violence, which are very real issues in the community.
“Sometimes it can be hard for people to know what to do about that,” she said. “This is a way for people to come out and show their support through creative expression.”
The family-friendly event will bring together different artists, musicians, dancers and community leaders from across the island. YWCA will welcome Taiko drummers, the Kauai Community College International Student Club, Native American dancers and hula halaus. There will also be dance workshops and face painting for the keiki, and the National Tropical Botanical Garden will be giving away breadfruit trees on a first come, first served basis.
In 2013, the first year for the global campaign, one billion people in 207 countries danced to demand an end to violence against women and girls. This year, the campaign — and dancing — continues.
The highlight of Saturday’s Kauai event will be participants dancing to the song “Break the Chain.”
Additional entertainment will be provided by the Soul Good Family, Minor Details, Aloha Africa and Preeta, who will be filming a music video during the event.
“Anyone who wants to be a part of her music video can do that,” Crapser said. “She has a song that she wrote called ‘Woman’ that’s going to be featured on the One Billion Rising website.”
For more information, visit www.ywcakauai.org or call 245-5959.
