A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, a chuckle comes from the belly; but a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows, and bubbles all around. — Carolyn Birmingham

Want to enjoy a good laugh? Then come along to Frocking Hilarious Melbourne Friday November 18, a night to celebrate women's rights through the power of laughter. 

We often hear ‘laughter is the best medicine’. But for the women worldwide who face incredible hardships and challenges in their everyday lives, laughter is also a potent dose of power. For the women facing food shortages, violence, discrimination and injustice, laughter can be a powerful weapon of endurance. It bursts through even the toughest of times to bring women together, boost courage and hope, and ignite an inner strength so that they may stand tall in the face of adversity.

Like human rights, laughter is universal. Here’s ten reasons why you should laugh today. 

1. Laughter brings us closer together.  

Women's group sharing a laugh, Myanmar

Laughter helps to foster closeness and maintain bonds with the people in our lives.

2. Laughter reduces stress.

Swapna Sen and Neela, Bangladesh

Laughter plays a critical role in buffering the effects of physiological and psychological stress.

3. Laughter helps us stay positive.

Zainabu Kamato, Kenya

Even when we face tough times, laughter helps create positive emotions and shift our perspective.

4. Laughter is good for the heart.

Leoni Maniraguha Sebijumba, Democratic Republic of Congo

Laughter helps lower blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart.

5. Laugher helps fight the blues.

Candelaria Lux, Guatemala

Laughing reduces tension and lowers anxiety which are major factors that contribute to the blues.

6. Laughter strengthens the immune system.

Elizabeth Patrick, Kenya

When you laugh, you activate immune cells that immediately begin to help you fight off sickness.

7. Laughter creates hope.

Hajira Abrahim, Ethiopia

Laugher can draw our attention away from difficult situations so that we may see them in a new light.

8. Laughter creates better relationships.

Daw Aye Win, Myanmar

Laughter and humour create bonds and better relationships with others. Plus, it’s contagious.

9. Laughter relieves pain.

Elderly women sharing a laugh, Myanmar

Not only does a good belly laugh help relieve pain, it releases a surge of feel-good endorphins!

10. Laughing builds solidarity.

Jesca Ibwapus, Uganda

Laughing builds togetherness and solidarity. Solidarity builds movements. Movements build change.

Want to enjoy a good laugh? Then come along to Frocking Hilarious Melbourne Friday November 18, a night to celebrate women's rights through the power of laughter.