Former Tourism official Glenn Bean is planning to bring an anti-violence women's organisation to Bermuda.

V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against females.

It was founded by Eve Ensler, an activist and award-winning playwright best known for The Vagina Monologues.

Over the last 11 years the movement has grown from one event in New York City to 5,200 events in over 1,400 places around the world.

It operates as a non-profit corporation, distributing funds to grassroots organisations actively working to stem violence against females.

Mr. Bean, who now lives in Atlanta, is forming a steering committee to establish a similar programme here.

"I am assembling a prolific team of women who embody the spirit of Bermuda and whose reach crosses all segments of the population," he said.

"Those whom I have touched base with thus far have been touched by the stories of abuse, misogyny and exploitation and have committed to being a part of the victory story."

He added: "This is a cause we dare not ignore, and I am dedicated to educating, raising the awareness and commitment of people of colour throughout the world in order to transform this movement of respecting and protecting all women no matter of race, colour, religion, orientation or creed; with a particular focus on the women of the (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and South Africa into a standard of living for all women."

International efforts are widespread. The focus has also included other parts of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean.

Success has included the opening of the first women's shelters in Egypt and Iraq, the sponsorship of annual workshops and three national campaigns in Afghanistan and the donation of satellite phones to women there. V-Day groups have raised over $1 million for their cause and brought attention to violence against women to millions of people around the world.

After a V-Day event in Atlanta last month, Ms Ensler appealed to Mr. Bean to carry the message to Bermuda.

His aim is to raise awareness in Bermuda through his steering committee.

"In all of my travels, I am moved by how lucky we as Bermudians have been," he said.

For more information on V-Day visit www.vday.org.