We are the United Colours of Women. The women of V-Day are listening, to support, not impose.

Special Representative for V-Day in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, Hibaaq Osman doesn’t pull her punches. Observing International Women’s Day on March 8 this year with a special production of Eve Ensler’s hit play, she is vocal about building broad socio-political movements for women’s rights across these regions. Born in Somalia and living in Ethiopia and Sudan, Osman has addressed relevant issues in Africa for more than 15 years. Partnering “Friends of V-Day” networks in India, Afghanistan, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Pakistan and Palestine, she hopes to forge alliances reaching out to isolation felt in individual countries.

Could you describe the response to your agenda in India?

We don’t formulate agendas, we pledge commitment to initiatives already taken. The women of V-Day are listening, to support, not impose. We are the United Colours of Women! Our fantastic colleagues here have been Sangat (South Asian Network of Gender Activists and Trainers) and Jagori.

How do you look at the future for Asian women?

Barriers will break slowly, making more room for understanding. People easily shocked by V-Day tell me, amazed – “You are Muslim, Hibaaq.” I remind them that we have vaginas too. Eradicating worldwide violence toward women should soon become an expansive, all-embracing priority.