By John Redmond
V-Day Seoul, a global movement, will host an art auction featuring local and international artists at The Alley, a new gallery and restaurant in Itaewon on Feb. 26 beginning at 9 p.m.
In addition to the female genitalia-inspired art works up for silent auction, talented artists will deliver their own rendition of a play, “The Vagina Monologues.” And a DJ will set the mood for good times. V-Day got their name from the play. Guests are encouraged to bring cash for wine, beer and/or auction items.
V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. It is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. The movement generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual slavery.
Proceeds from the Saturday evening will benefit Korean Unwed Mothers & Families Association (KUMFA) ― the only non-governmental organization that supports unwed mothers and their families throughout Korea. KUMFA, more commonly known as Miss Mamma Mia, is working to erase the stigma attached to unwed mothers in Korean culture.
Miss Mamma Mia members became unwed mothers under different circumstances. However, they are all faced with the same social criticism and suddenly have found themselves treated as vulnerable members of the community. KUMFA holds monthly meetings with the members to share information and to give emotional comfort for those in need.
V-Day Seoul has generated awareness and raised funds in support of several other organizations since its inception in 2007 including the Korea Women’s Hotline, Dasi Hamkee Center and the Marriage Migrants Network of the Seoul Immigration Office - the Ministry of Justice.
The exhibition is part of the V-Day Campaign to empower women to find their collective voices and demand an end to violence. This year’s campaign kicks off Saturday and will continue with events through February and March, culminating in a benefit production of Eve Ensler’s award winning play “The Vagina Monologues” on April 16 and 17.
For more information on KUMFA, visit https://cafe.naver.com/missmammamia (Korean only).
For information on upcoming events, visit www.vdayseoul.com.
Also contact Brielle Morgan on 010-4997-0552; Zach Garfinkel on 010-2660-5733. Or you can email vdayseoul@gmail.com
To get there, leave Itaewon Station (line 6) via exit 4 and head towards McDonalds and Starbucks. There will be volunteers on hand to provide further directions.