The monodrama "I did not want to die a virgin" was a success! Launched today on the International Day of People with Disablities, a great collaboration with the "Together Foundation", run by a disabled woman, a very active actor and activist for the rights of women with disabilities, the play is staged for 3 consecutive days.
A role play adapted from the book of an Italian writer with disabilities, Barbara Garlaschelli.", which aims to give a strong message of life and what one can do to live a life in all its dimensions, despite difficulties.
I did not want to die a virgin in feelings, in games, in love, in the body, in successes and failures, in travels. I did not want to die a virgin of life!" This is the message given by the actress Ina Gjonci,and the director, Gjergj Menaj through excellent art work, very well selected strong words, stage and body language.The play deals with the discovery of sexuality, intimacy and the "woman" within a woman with disabilities. This monodrama aims to be a clear, simple, cry-free narrative that sheds more light on the similarities than on the differences, more on the common denominator that is "human being" and her feelings, which have no limits. Far from pathos, the part is rich in humor and self-irony.
Studies by UNFPA worldwide show that fifteen per cent of the world’s population lives with a disability, and nearly 200 million are between the ages of 10 and 24. Yet they are often invisible in government statistics. Young women with disabilities are not seen as needing information about their sexual and reproductive health and rights – or as being capable of making their own decisions. Girls and boys with disabilities are largely excluded from education and health services, discriminated against in their communities and trapped in a cycle of poverty and violence.
Worldwide, girls bear the brunt of these violations. A global study from UNFPA reveals that girls and young women with disabilities face up to 10 times more gender-based violence than those without disabilities. Girls with intellectual disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence.
UNFPA, the lead UN agency addressing gender-based violence in emergencies, collects and analyses data to contribute to the strengthening of national laws and policies that foster social inclusion and gender equality. Through its interventions and international support, UNFPA aims at realising sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people with disabilities, seeking to end the invisibility of these young people, especially women and girls, by involving them in discussions of the issues as well as the solutions. UNFPA works to support them unlock their potential and determine their own future, thus ensuring that no one is left behind.
And UNFPA in Albania was joined by quite a number of partners in this cause like Arturbina Theatre Hall, the municipality of Tirana, activists from various backgrounds, an UN agency colleagues. The income generated from the performances will go to improve accessibility in one of the public buildings in the Municipality of Tirana.
