NICOLE KLIEST
Staff Writer
In an effort to empower women and men to break the silence of sexual violence, Pepperdine’s second annual Eve Project week is set for March 24 through March 27.
The Eve Project is a photo and media campaign that asks students and administrators on campus to respond to the statement, “When fear of sexual violence ends, I will…”
A few weeks ago students filled the Hahn Fireside Room to have their photo taken and make compelling personal statements about sexual violence.
For Eve Week, campaign leaders are assembling a mural with portraits of each individual that came to the photo shoot, documenting their responses to the statement. Video footage will accompany the mural, which will be displayed in the Sandbar during the week. Also, Polaroid shots will be displayed with responses around campus next week.
Natalie Horne, who is a member on the Eve Project committee, is in her first year of involvement with the committee.
“I hope this gives students the opportunity to take their own action to make a difference against the fear of sexual violence,” Horne said. “We had a couple hundred students come out to the Fireside Room and there is a lot of enthusiasm for Eve Week, which is encouraging to see.”
Junior Steven Arnold participated in the Fireside Room session and described the importance in challenging sexual violence and the fear that women experience because of it.
“I don’t know if or when the fear of sexual violence will ever end, but I do know that I am proud of the efforts that are being made on this campus to bring awareness to the issue and assist in women gaining the confidence to do the simplest tasks without fear or reservation,” Arnold said.
The Eve Project committee includes Pepperdine’s Student Leadership Development Coordinator Kerri Heath and senior Rachel Johnson, senior Karli King, junior Danielle Jaggers and freshman Chris Tolan. There have been additional people that have helped make this endeavor a reality, as well.
“A lot of guys came out, which is great because one of our goals is that guys don’t get overlooked,” Horne said. “It is often overlooked as a woman’s issue but it definitely applies to guys not only for them personally, but they have mothers and sisters who have been affected. It is encouraging to see that this issue is something they care about.”
The events planned for the week are intended to coincide with the ideas and purpose of this project.
Throughout the week there will be tables in the Sandbar every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., promoting information to help end sexual violence and selling T-shirts.
“Tom Ahn (2007 alumnus) designed the shirts, and they will be for sale when students come by the tables,” Horne said. “I hope people will come out and at least check out the tables and see what we have going on.”
On March 26, there will be a sexual violence convocation program at 9 p.m. in Elkins Auditorium.
In addition, Eve Project, in conjunction with the Career Center’s Career Fair, will be running its “solutions” fair on March 27.
Another information-based resource is the Eve Project Facebook group that is accessible to anyone who wishes to join.
“Seeing last year’s Eve Project was so inspiring and it brought passion to me for this issue,” Horne said. “People came up with creative, sweet and thoughtful responses. If you are at least slightly interested in this issue, then it’s worth it to come and participate in the Eve Project.”
03-20-2008
