A Look At One Billion Rising

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

 
The weekend was busy with many activities and events that had to do with Valentine Day and love across the grid. I spent most of my time over at One Billion Rising greeting visitors to this event that tries to bring into focus issues that affect women in so many ways in everyday life . I showed you the family in crisis in Sunday article. This is the family in the future when Covid is done.

This year the theme was Gardens.  “The global climate crisis continues to affect communities around the world, but women and girls suffer the most as a result of long term loss of livelihood, forced migration, trafficking and other climate related conflicts. Indigenous populations everywhere have also suffered gravely – displaced and forced to flee and relocate – making them the world’s first climate refugees.”  Amazing to see that even Climate puts women again at the most risk along with all the other issues.  It reminds us all we don’t always realize how many issues there are affecting women everywhere all the time.

The entire four regions were  full of beautiful and diverse gardens to roam and enjoy and reflect on the peace and relaxation that gardens bring in times of stress and perhaps despair.

Many of the artist installations demonstrated their view of gardens and women. Daark Gothly made her garden a place “ Untangle The Stories.” She explains this, “The beginning of understanding is Love. Planting Seeds with plenty of Water brings on a Growth that will be shared. As each person untangles the stories of the past: Listen, Say, Hear, Value, Watch, Tell. Growth will begin.” It is beautiful and enchanting to walk through.

Krystali Rabeni  reminds of the reality that still persists in many places around the globe.

At Lampithaler"s installation I stopped to talk with her and do some tai chi.

Over at the Poetry Plaza there were poetry readings . I stopped to hear the Sean... women doing readings. Aoife( Aiofe Lorefield  was reading  at the time. 

The plaza was another lovely garden setting that was a place for meditating and relaxing .

One place I love to visit there every year is the Hall of Heroes.  Here  are life stories of some of those who have fought for women’s rights for many years all around the world. The placards highlight their successes. and honor their work.

Morgan  is an example of one who worked not only in real life but brought her work into sl at the  Care and Hope Center. 

A reminder for all of us by Angela Thespian-Ireland.

Congratulations to the leads of this project every year since 2013. Their behind the scenes work is long and difficult . And thanks to the artists who did the building of the forests and gardens and stage for performers who participated for 24 hours. If you missed this event remember to come next year.

Gemma Cleanslate