An Introduction to The Vagina Monologues (by Meg Styles)

When the suggestion of a benefit performance of The Vagina Monologues first came up I have to say that I was instantly drawn in. At the time I was with a large gathering of TGF volunteers and two of our board members, Marie-Louise and Laura, were sharing their own V-Day success stories to the group. By the end of the evening, the excitement had spread and we conspiring towards our own V-Day success story.

There are two things I love most about TGF; seeing our work change the lives of young women through nursing scholarships and seeing our Gretta family grow.

Not only will this benefit production increase our mission on the ground but it has been, and continues to be, a privilege to work with the most incredible crew of committed, passionate and creative volunteers making this all happen. In these last couple months, I have been truly blessed to witness the multitudes of wonderful people putting in their energies and artistry and enthusiasm into a project we collectively believe in.

March 19^th, the opening performance of V-Day Lafayette's The Vagina Monologues, will mark the celebration of what would be Gretta's 80^th birthday. Her birthday has also been designated National Certified Nurses Day. I know that she will be with us all. Gretta was a visionary leader. Our mission was the progeny of her admonition, "Imagine a world without nurses." As I have seen with my own eyes, there are many places where imagining this seemingly inconceivable world takes no imagination at all.

Well TGF, V-Day Lafayette and all its volunteers, imagine a different world, a world where we combat violence against women through education and through the provision of tools to enter into the one truly indispensable profession, nursing. We imagine a world where legions of Gretta Scholars impact their communities exponentially and give the battle against child and maternal mortality and diseases like HIV a real fight.

And I can't forget to thank Eve Ensler and The Vagina Monologues for this extraordinary opportunity. I am privileged to be a part of this production, a production which over the years has done so much to support efforts that empower women around the world and break down stigma, embarrassment and shame.

Most importantly it is with great pride and humility that I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the production and the support of these performances. You know who you are.

It's amazing to me to think that a word like "Vagina" can make such a huge difference in so many lives. Who could have imagined?