The Women’s Interest Network (WIN) is sponsoring the SMU production of “The Vagina Monologues,” which will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday in the Hughes-Trigg Theatre. Prices for tickets are $7 for SMU students and faculty, and $10 for the general public.

Saturday’s showing of “The Vagina Monologues” at the Hughes-Trigg Student Center marks its 10th anniversary showing after originally opening as part of the “V-Day” awareness program in 1998.

Feminist playwright Eve Ensler created “Monologues” in the mid-1990s as a celebration of femininity and later as a tool to condemn violence against women. The “V” in “V-Day” stands for Valentine, vagina and victory, linking love and respect for women to end violence against women and girls.

The proceeds from these performances go to programs that work to end violence against women and girls, including crisis centers and women’s shelters. The 2002 production of “The Vagina Monologues” helped to raise over $4,000 for a local domestic violence shelter.

WIN is a group that accepts both men and women as members and is founded on the belief in the strength of women. WIN primarily focuses on current social and political women’s issues and helping to make sure women can live to their fullest potential. They usually hold meetings every Thursday on campus at the Women’s Center at 7 p.m.

The beneficiaries for SMU’s production on Saturday include The Family Place, Dallas’ largest family violence service provider. For 30 years, The Family Place has kept up a standard of award-winning programs designed to help keep women and children safe from abusive home life and other dangerous situations. Intervention, emergency shelters and crisis counseling are some of the many programs they offer.

Another major beneficiary is directed toward the women of New Orleans and in the Gulf South, many of whom have suffered through Hurricane Katrina and its continuing effects today. They are part of the national V-Day “Spotlight Campaign” for this year’s set of performances and exhibitions.