'One Billion Rising' in East Hampton to End Violence Against Women

EAST HAMPTON, NY: It was a Valentine’s Day event meant to change the world and end violence against women.

On Sunday, the Neo-Political Cowgirls and The Retreat partnered to present “One Billion Rising”, the largest global action to end violence against women and girls in human history, at Guild Hall in East Hampton.

Singers, songwriters, poets, writers, and other community members participated by ”rising through dance, written word, and songs to express joy and community and celebrating that together, violence can be defeated,” a release about the event stated.

“The Neo-Political Cowgirls are always proud to partner with The Retreat to bring creativity to the forefront as a method for changing the world, confronting demons and brightening the future for our community,” said Kate Mueth, founder of the Neo-Political Cowgirls, which organizes the dance.

The One Billion Rising campaign is in its’ fourth year.

Collective efforts have engaged and awakened people worldwide to end violence against women.

The facts are staggering: One in three women will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. Worldwide that totals one billion women and girls.

On February 14, 2013, people across the world came together to express their outrage, strike, dance, and rise in defiance of the injustices women suffer, demanding an end to violence against women.

“One Billion Rising is a powerful campaign that motivates us to work harder to prevent and end violence against women, not only on the East End of Long Island, but throughout the world,” said Loretta K. Davis, Executive Director at The Retreat.

Audience members raved about the performance. “I think Kate did an amazing job. The best one, yet,” said Minerva Perez, new executive director of OLA, who was with the Retreat for years. “There were great musical performances, and heart-wrenching poems and monologues. Overall it was a powerful and uplifting afternoon. I usually love to do the dance, but I wasn’t able this time. Next year,” she promised.

Perez said hopes to involve the Latino community in the event: “OLA will look forward to offering ways we can bring in more of the Latino community to this next year. Kate always has such a genuine open door policy — and she has been so generous to take on the volunteer shepherding of this important event — the only way to offer additions is to jump in and help, as well. Theatre is an ’all hands on deck’ type engagement.”

The Neo-Political Cowgirls is a not-for-profit dance theater company dedicated to exploring and celebrating the female voice. Founded in 2007 by Kate Mueth, the group is committed to making work for women and about women — to creating a space where women and girls from all walks of life can share their experiences, joys, concerns, and spirits through professional dance.

Since 1987, The Retreat has been providing domestic violence services and education to families on the East End of Long Island. Programs include a 24-hour domestic violence hotline, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, emergency residential shelter, programs to engage troubled fathers, and in-school violence prevention education programs.

All services are provided free of charge.

Patch photos by Pamela Greinke, with last photo by Minerva Perez.