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Did you know 1 in 3 women worldwide will be beaten or raped during her lifetime?

Did you know that with 7 billion people in the world right now, that amounts to ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS?

That’s one billion too many.

That’s why every year I add my voice to the One Billion Rising rally that happens on Valentine’s Day all over the world. The campaign started in 2013 and was launched by Eve Ensler, the same woman who brought us The Vagina Monologues.

Every year, people gather together all over the world to express their outrage, dance and rise to demand an end to the violence and  justice for those who have experienced gender violence.

This year, I joined the West Hollywood rally and, as usual, it was an inspiring day of speeches, music and – most of all – dancing.

Yes, a big component of the revolution is dancing, and in particular a flashmob dance – an opportunity for everyone to join together, to take up space and to experience the joy of their bodies in motion. Debbie Allen choreographed a dance set to the song “Break the Chain” by Tena Clark and Tim Heintz, and it is amazing to see dozens or hundreds or even thousands dancing together in the streets.

Look around you. Chances are someone near you is one of the 1 in 3. Maybe you are one of the 1 in 3. Maybe it’s time for us all to break the silence and break the chains that hold us back and keep us quiet.

If you’d like more information about One Billion Rising or would like to get involved, click here.