This event stemmed from a remarkable play called SEVEN that started an international movement for social change, and is now the subject of a compelling documentary film called The Power of 7, currently in production. Dramatized by seven award-winning women playwrights, SEVEN tells the story of seven courageous women activists from seven countries who overcame massive obstacles to empower women in their respective communities. SEVEN has been performed in more than 25 countries and 23 languages, often by political leaders and influential journalists.

The event explored the impact that transformative works of art and the media can have in bringing about societal change. The presentation featured producers and playwrights involved in the Power of 7, in addition to other prominent voices who bring a gendered lens to peacebuilding.   

The discussion was part of a three day summit, “Think Globally - Act Locally,” that featured the performance of SEVEN at George Washington University’s Betts Theatre on April 27, followed on April 28 by a full-day summit co-sponsored by The Power of 7 team, the Global Women's Institute, and Futures Without Violence. That evening, a local variation of the play, DC SEVEN, was performed focusing on local stories of the struggle for gender empowerment.

Speakers

• Hedda Krausz Sjögren
  Producer, SEVEN on Tour
• Carol Mack
  Playwright, SEVEN
• Alyse Nelson
  President and CEO, Vital Voices Global Partnership
• George Lopez
  Vice President, Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding, USIP
• Honey Al Sayed
  Creative Media and Arts Consultant/Host and Producer
• Maria J. Stephan
  Senior Policy Fellow, USIP
• Bonnie Nelson Schwartz
  Co-Producer, The Power of 7 Film