From massages and yoga to self-defense and sex workshops, today is a day to "Celebrate, Educate and Unite!"
The Women's Health Festival takes place today from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Newcomb Hall Ballroom. Throughout the day more than 40 Contracted Independent Organizations, along with local and national organizations, are joining together to provide a "holistic view of health" to all students on grounds.
What began as a conversation in the interdisciplinary seminar "Women's Health: A Global Perspective," has spiraled into the first event of its kind at the University.
"Clearly there was something missing [from the University community] that sparked some unprecedented amount of passion," said third-year College student M Bruce, the festival's development director. "The whole thing just snowballed in the most glorious and U.Va. way."
According to Bruce, many women live in a state of deprivation and oppression and have their health constantly endangered and ignored.
"For some reason, at U.Va., it's being acknowledged," Bruce said.
Over 100 people responded to the first e-mail sent out advertising an interest meeting. From there committees were formed, detailing exactly what the responding students hoped the festival would encompass, and how they interpreted women's health. As a result, the festival's topics are wide-ranging, including feminist spirituality, international and minority health, and sports, fitness and disability interests.
The event is "innovative, interdisciplinary, collaborative and unprecedented," Bruce said.
The actual layout of the festival is broken down into small time blocks throughout the day. Activities include an interactive health fair from 12 to 4 p.m., interdisciplinary events with panels, speakers and workshops from 12 to 7:30 p.m., a Whole Foods, Whole Women reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and finally, a multicultural extravaganza from 7 to 9 p.m.
Last but not least, there will be female DJ talent at the Biltmore from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. for those who wish to keep the festival alive after-hours.
From the planning stages and creative development to the messages and motivation she said she hopes the festival will bring to U.Va., Bruce said the festival has effects beyond the physical: "It's overwhelmingly inspirational."
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