Tag: Gender Equality

One Billion Rising

One Billion Rising

Following in the spirit of Jesuit values, the Loyola community is committed to social justice.  This commitment is all too clear among Sociology students.  This semester, I am taking a class on social movements and social change.  Over the Valentine’s Day weekend, one of my classmates actually participated in a social movement: One Billion Rising.

One Billion Rising is a global campaign that brings attention to gender inequality and violence against women.  Female survivors of violence and those who love and support them gather in public places to break the silence and share their stories.  It also examines the interlocking forces that contribute to such injustice, such as poverty, racism, imperialism, and patriarchy.  On February 14, 2013, participants in 207 countries gathered to call for change.  One year later, it’s obvious that this movement is steadily growing.

On Valentine’s Day, participants gathered in downtown Chicago to join the movement.  The day was filled with speakers and dancing, all in support of the cause.  My classmate was even featured as a speaker, reading a poem she had written advocating for gender equality.

After hearing about the movement and doing some of my own research, I was disappointed to have missed such a powerful event.  Fortunately, One Billion Rising holds events year round to maintain momentum and spread awareness.  Not only that, but there’s always next Valentine’s Day to stand up and support my fellow women!