SAN FRANCISCO—When Marily Mondejar spoke out about her abusive marriage, she was ostracized. She then left the Philippines and had to start a new life as a single mother in San Francisco.
More than two decades later Mondejar, now the president of the Filipina Women’s Network, hopes that an upcoming event on Valentine’s Day will help women in similar situations to find the courage to speak out and seek support.
For “One Billion Rising“ on Feb. 14, San Francisco will join thousands of cities, towns, and villages in 197 countries to raise awareness about violence against women.
The campaign draws its name from a United Nations statistic that one out of every three women or girls will be subjected to rape or violence in their life.
Events in San Francisco include a dance across the Golden Gate Bridge, dancing in front of Grace Cathedral, and a main event at City Hall that Mayor Ed Lee and other dignitaries will attend.
“I will dance for every victim and survivor of social violence in San Francisco and to raise awareness that every woman and girl can live free of fear and violence,” said Mondejar.
On Tuesday the Board of Supervisors voted to mark Feb. 14 “One Billion Rising Day.” At a press conference prior to the board meeting, several city officials spoke in support of the event, including Board President David Chiu.
