A Little "Herstory"

In the spring of 2007, I had the privilege of acting in a benefit performance of the The Vagina Monologues to raise necessary funds needed for the construction of Agnes Pareyio's second safe house in Kenya.

One of our benefactors brought Agnes into New York to see our production. I had the honor of spending an afternoon with this incredible "Vagina Warrior!" She presented me with traditional African beads to thank me for my efforts. I knew I had to do more for her and for her girls.

I wore my "empowered flower" pendant during my monologue performance to honor Agnes, who was seated in the front row.

She was spending her life fighting to protect all that is sacred for a woman; and I was raising money to support her efforts.

After the show, women approached me and asked to buy one. I remember telling my female admirers that they already had one, but they wanted one that was gleaming like mine!

I was laughing with strangers about vaginas! It was right then that I had the "A-HA moment!" I made a promise that I would start selling vaginas so she could keep saving vaginas!

I hope this medallion will be a symbol of hope and strength for women around the world

Andrea Gottschall