Cecile Lipworth: Disruptor For Social Justice, Founder of Ripple Catalyst Studio, Managing Director of the Vagina Monologues

ripplecatalyststudio.com

The scene:
We are in Santa Fe, New Mexico in Cecile’s home office of 20 years, surrounded by colorful folk art set against a backdrop of soothing cream-colored walls. Cecile explains to me that for many years each wall used to be a different bright color. I can see how both the calm cream and the energetic colors suit Cecile - she is dynamic, with a simultaneously energizing and soothing quality about her. This dynamism is expressed throughout all of her projects. Join us for a candid conversation between two women who are not afraid to use the word vagina.

Highlights:
+ Radio show host - “Brave Space”
+ Raised Jewish in South Africa, moved to the US at 30 yrs old
+ Moved to Santa Fe after 3 days into her first visit
+ Winning your green card in the lottery (in 1995)
+ V Day, Eve Ensler, and the Vagina Monologues for 15 years
+ Getting the opportunity to speak to women from all over the world
+ Being passionate about the power of women united as a force
+ The feminist movement is reinventing itself
+ We are still fighting in America for equal rights to be put into the constitution
+ In 2001, newspapers wouldn’t let you use the world “vagina”
+ The Vagina Monologues created a movement
+ Created “The Business of Birth Control” movie
+ Birth control messes up your hormonal system
+ Being pro information about women’s health
+ People need to make decisions for themselves (not wait for their governments to do it)
+ “Human” rights
+ America is run by the minority right now
+ There is no right or wrong choice about how to be engaged in your world
+ There’s no such thing as a safe space, only a brave space
+ Film: The Business of Being Born
+ The testing of medication for women is tested on men (yes, reread that)
+ Women should talk to each other about all the women things
+ One Billion Rising movement - 1 out of 3 women in their lifetime will be raped or beaten
+ Bringing women together across racial groups
+ Cultures that are relationship-based
+ Imposter syndrome
+ Life lessons: just go with it

A taste:
“The feminist movement is sort-of reinventing itself. I just don’t know where I fit into it anymore right now - like, a white, middle-aged woman. As much as I feel like I’m still 20, the truth is I’m not, and there are incredible, young 20-year-olds doing brilliant, brilliant activism, and it is time for them to step forward and lead.”

Favorite saying:
“When a drop of water interrupts a still surface, it creates a ripple. A disruption. An energy. The initial ripple is a catalyst for the next, transforming motionlessness into movement. Through the ripple, momentum is born.”