Original posting available on GRITtv.org HERE

One in three women will be raped or beaten in her life time–globally, this translates to one billion women. On February 14–Valentine’s Day–@VDay‘s #1billionrising campaign is calling on one billion around the world to speak out, rise and dance to end violence against women.

Laura Flanders travels to Los Angeles to host the “State of Female Justice”–a collaboration with Eve Ensler’s @VDay and #1BillionRising campaign. In addition to discussing gender justice, the #StateOfFemaleJustice brings together racial, economic and environmental justice leaders to discuss how each of these issues deeply impact women across the United States and around the world.

“How do we bring our stories together? What is our vision of the change we are looking for?” Laura Flanders begins, introducing the panel. “What holds us back and what releases us? What helps all of us get to a place that looks like, smells like and feels like justice?”

Joining Laura Flanders and Eve Ensler is Susan Burton, an anti-incarceration activist who founded New Life, a center for women transitioning out of incarceration and community organizer Ashley Franklin, who is organizing a feminist bus riding campaign in South Central Los Angeles. We also hear from Kimberlé Crenshaw, a UCLA and Columbia law professor and internationally recognized speaker on civil rights and intersectionality and Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, who has pushed an environmental justice agenda in her city including, but not limited to, suing Chevron for putting corporate profits above the health and safety of Richmond residents. Last but not least, Hollywood actress Olivia Wilde discusses the responsibility of celebrities towards portrayals of women in the media.

What about you? What issues inspire you to rise for justice? Tweet us @GRITtv and@VDay using the hashtag #stateoffemalejustice and #1billionrising.