The vagina monologues are a set of stories and poems from real women about their experiences with their vagina. The play was written by Eve Ensler in 1996, when she conducted interviews with 200 women about their views on sex, relationships, and violence against women. Little did she know, these causal conversations with these women, which would later be known as the Vagina Monologues today.
For two years Endicott College has put on this monologue, but it was my first experience. I attended because one of my good friends was going to recite a poem. Little did I know that this event will change how I look at my own body, and an even bigger appreciation towards women for sharing their stories. Many people, myself included, are very reserved when it comes to their body. But why should we? We should be celebrating everything it can do for us.
I believe that every college or university should be organizing this event because...
1. Awareness
From attending this monologue, I am now much more aware of other people's stories with their vagina's. Whether it's sexual assault, sex, or birth, every woman has a story. I think it's important to not only hear other peoples stories, but being comfortable telling yours.
2. Connection
It is a time to connect with other women. You could connect with other people's stories, and without hearing them, you may have felt that you were the only person to have experienced something similar.
3. Community
We have all come together for the same purpose. To hear stories about your vagina. You will laugh together, cry together, be stronger together.
4. Expression
A stigma that many women go through is that your vagina is very private, and you should never talk about it with other people. This monologue gives women, of all backgrounds, the chance for to talk about their vagina's. Ensler interviewed women from all walks of life, which created a diversity in all the stories
5. Powerful
When we all come together as women, and share our stories, it is powerful. One of the most powerful stories was a poem titled, My vagina was my village, described women in Bosnia who were put in rape camps. It was so powerful hearing the words of these women, and what they had to go through just because of their gender.
6. Celebration
After the performance that I attended, it is safe to say that the whole audience was overcome with emotion. It is a celebration of women, each of us so diverse and unique.
