When I think about a woman's place in the world 100, or even 50 years ago, it completely blows my grateful mind. The advancements that my heroes made toward allowing women to participate more equally in the world are amazing, but there is more work to be done, particularly in areas of the world where there are fewer organizations advocating for women. Perhaps the most effective way to work toward equality is to give a voice to the stories of the underdog.

The V-Day Campaign is a catalyst for mobilizing women and men to heighten awareness about violence against women and girls. Ninety percent of all profits from V-Day Rochester 2010 will benefit Rape Crisis Service, giving more victims of sexual assault access to fee counseling, advocacy, and other services, while the remaining 10 percent of proceeds will benefit the V-Day Spotlight campaign: the women of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since 1996, violence against women and girls in the eastern part of the DRC has been used to torture, humiliate, and destroy not only women and girls, but also entire families and whole communities.

A performance of V-Day founder Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" will take place on Saturday, March 13, at 7 p.m. at the Hochstein School of Music and Dance, 50 N. Plymouth Ave. Tickets go for $20, $10 students/seniors, and the show will benefit Rape Crisis Services of Planned Parenthood of the Rochester-Syracuse Region. Visit pprsr.org for more information.

Although not affiliated with V-Day, but of similar interest, on Sunday, March 14, master storyteller Jay Stetzer will bring to life the legendary Persian queen Scheherazade's "One Thousand and One Nights," directed by Janet Shipman and with a musical score performed by Carolyn Ray on piano. The performance benefits Rochester International Women's Day, and begins at 3:30 p.m. at the Baptist Temple Church, 1101 Clover St. Tickets will cost $5-$10. For more info, call 546-2250 or visit riwd.org.