Social Encore: Girls against violence
BY JERMEL-LYNN QUILLOPO / Special to the Star-Advertiser
Violence can be found anywhere and it can happen to anyone. We see violence in the news, in movies and some may find it in their homes. Several years ago, Kathryn Xian noticed that talking about violence is taboo within most of Hawaii’s communities, even though many know a person who was experiencing violence or a survivor of violence.
Xian’s concern was the women in Hawaii who experience violence but whose voices are rarely heard.
“I wanted them to just care about people in their community and to use or know the resources that are available,” she said.
She realized that a bold message about the problem had to be sent, and that providing resources and educating the public through art and media could have a profound impact.
Xian and other volunteers created “Girl Fest” in 2003 and it has been Hawaii’s longest running all-volunteer anti-violence multimedia festival. From art galleries to open discussions, “Girl Fest” hopes to inspire, empower and advocate victims of violence and proclaim the importance of preventing these tragedies.
This year, “Girl Fest” is dedicated to Meredith Hahm Moore. Moore became homeless when she decided to leave her marriage and was later diagnosed with breast cancer. Her dying wish was to see her son again. After a friend located him, now in his late 20′s, he flew to Hawaii and stayed by Moore’s side until she died last month.
“It is stories like this that help us keep “Girl Fest” alive. We fight for women like Meredith,” said Xian.
Meredith Hahm Moore
What keeps Xian motivated to volunteer her time and soul to the annual event are the thoughts of the many women from all walks of life who experience injustice because of violence.
“I can’t just sit there. I have to do something about it. One act, one change in life, it can change something and I believe in that dynamic,” she said. “You have to put the forth the message out there or else society won’t change.”
As a byproduct of Xian’s efforts in Hawaii, there are now “Girl Fests” in Alaska, California and New York. “Girl Fest” has even partnered up with law enforcement, legal authorities and health care professionals to help prevent human trafficking.
“I want people to practice a sense community so that so no one is left in the dark,” said Xian. “When people come to me and tell me that they have learned, have gain friendships and have a sense of a support that will last a lifetime, that truly is the best compliment. There is no amount of money that can match to that. This is why I volunteer my time.”
Notable events in this year’s “Girl Fest” include a “Finding Light Out of the Darkness” kickoff party at 7 p.m. tonight, Feb. 16, at Manifest, 32 N. Hotel St. (all ages until 10 p.m.), featuring an 18-woman art exhibit and DJs Ezl, Ramyt, TJ and Spike.
There’s also a panel discussion on the “Sexualization of Girls and the Rise in Violence against Women” from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 17 at the University of Hawaii-Manoa Center for Hawaiian Studies; a screening of “Desert Flower” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Venue, 1144 Bethel St.; poetry and music by performance artist Mindy Nettifee and actress Amber Tamblyn at 6 p.m. Feb. 17 at the UH Art Auditorium; and the Peace Party with The Throwdowns at 9 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Venue.
To find out how you can help or to for a complete schedule for “Girl Fest” events, visit girlfesthawaii.org
