Erica Ray was recognized as a defender of vaginas and a beacon of hope in the fight to end violence against women.

The Capac senior was dubbed a “Vagina Warrior.”

The award is given each year to one actress in “The Vagina Monologues” who stands out as a model of hard work and dedication to raising awareness about violence against women. Ray was given the award for her continued devotion and leadership.

“Being a part of ‘The Vagina Monologues,’ I got to be someone giving you pleasure instead of just being a teacher,” Ray said. “With all our voices together we’re trying to end the violence.”

“The Vagina Monologues” was compiled and written by Eve Ensler based on interviews collected from more than 200 women. It covers sex, love, rape, violence, mutilation and childbirth.

The show emphasizes the need for women to accept their bodies and to become one with their vaginas. It focuses on the need to raise awareness and to act to end violence against women.

Avoca junior Cassie Driscoll said the best part of the show is it gets the message out about violence.

“The whole thing is important,” Driscoll said. “It’s an important message that needs to get out to everyone.”

Colleges around the country put together and perform the monologues to raise money for local organizations such as Sexual Assault Peer Advocates and the Campaign to End Violence Against Women.

Wisconsin senior Katie Peak said she thought the show was amazing and the cause it helps is important.

“I love vaginas. You can quote me on that,” Peak said. “I love it (the show), and I think it’s great that the money they raise goes to SAPA.”

The monologues draw from experiences of women and keep the mood upbeat with numerous comic sections, such as “The Little Coochi Snorcher that Could.”

Holt freshman Matthew Darling said he thought the show did a good job connecting to people and getting them to listen.

“The message is the most important part,” Darling said. “If you get people to laugh or to feel something, it gets them thinking. It can really get to people and get them engaged.”

“The Vagina Monologues” is part of the global movement to stop violence against women known as the V-Day Campaign. For more information on the campaign visit vday.com.

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