Inspired by the vision of a world where women are free from the threat of violence, and galvanized by the overwhelming need for action, the worldwide V-Day movement began with a gala event, V-Day 1998, held on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1998, in New York City. A group of talented women who star in theater, film, and music came together at the Hammerstein Ballroom to perform Eve Ensler’s Obie award-winning play, "The Vagina Monologues", and to raise awareness and money to stop the abuse of women and girls. The event was made possible by the generous support of a host of sponsors: corporations, nonprofits, and individuals who share our dedication to eradicating violence against women.

That landmark performance of "The Vagina Monologues" launched V-Day as a movement that embraces and celebrates all women and girls and demands the end of violence against them. That night, Eve clearly, strongly, and emotionally expressed the meaning of V-Day: Women should not have to spend their lives surviving or fearing violence against them. Women have much to offer and gain from the world we live in; Eve refuses—as we all should—to let rape, incest, genital mutilation, and similar violent acts destroy women's lives.

The events of 1998—the benefit performance of "The Vagina Monologues" on V-Day and all of the press and discussion it generated—served as a clarion call to action. In subsequent years, the movement has grown significantly in numbers, reach, and scope, including the Worldwide Campaign, the College Campaign, and the Youth Initiative.