Hollywood Popular Artists

Feb 14th 2013, 18:40

This Valentine's Day, One Billion Rising wants you to stand up and dance for abused women around the world. One billion women violated is an atrocity. One billion women dancing is a revolution.

One in three women (a billion!) will be raped or beaten in her lifetime -- a violent tradition that can only be stopped if we come together. Our dancing will make a statement and take a stand against this violence, sending a message of hope to hurt women, and a plea to stop to those who hurt them. Here are a few songs that will prob inspire you to join the one billion worldwide.

+ Lesley Gore - "You Don't Own Me"

Lesley Gore first performed "You Don't Own Me" in 1964, when women were fighting for equal rights and pay. Last year, celebrity women like Sia and "Girls" star Lena Dunham created the above lip synching video to encourage women to take ownership of their rights and bodies by voting.

+ Lupe Fiasco - "Bitch Bad"

Lupe Fiasco's "Bitch Bad" criticizes rappers for using the word "bitch" so casually when describing women. It also confronts women who knowingly sing along with degrading lyrics. Fiasco understands the impact that music has on what men think of women and what women think of themselves, and uses his fame to stand up for women around the world who are mistreated, misrepresented, and misunderstood.

+ Tracy Chapman - "Behind The Wall"

Tracy Chapman's "Behind The Wall" is one of the most bone-chilling songs about domestic violence I've ever heard. It's written from the perspective of a neighbor who hears a woman being beaten from her side of the wall. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: NDVH.org, or 800-799-SAFE.

+ Eminem feat. Rihanna - "Love The Way You Lie"

"Love The Way You Lie" tells the tale of a couple in a mutually destructive relationship. If you or someone you know seems as bummed out as Em' and RiRi do in this video, check out MTV's Half Of Us for some helpful resources.

+ Jasmine Villegas - "Didn't Mean It"

Jasmine Villegas' "Didn't Mean It" is a personal tale of her experiences with domestic violence. "This topic is very important to me because it's something I experienced firsthand for over a year in a bad relationship," Jasmine told MTV. "Fortunately for me, I was able to get out relatively early, and now I want to let other women know that you don't have to feel ashamed or embarrassed about getting help...I believe every woman is beautiful and sometimes we get caught up in situations or relationships that make us lose sight of how beautiful and precious we really are."

Take action below to find a One Billion Rising V-Day dance near you, or to create an event of your own.

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