Imagine seeing a group of men walking down the street in red high heels. What would you think? You might be surprised, amused, or curious. But what if you learned that they were doing it for a noble cause?
That’s precisely what happens yearly in hundreds of cities worldwide, where men, women, and their families participate in an event called “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”. The event involves men walking one mile in women’s high-heeled shoes to address gender stereotypes and expectations. The name comes from the saying, “You can’t understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes”.
Grown men march around in red high heels to protest male violence against women: PIC.TWITTER.COM/WMRJZADKQP
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) MARCH 3, 2024
This parade is known as “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®.” It’s an international men’s march that aims to end rape as well as gender violence. The event was founded in 2001 by Frank Baird, a therapist and activist who sought to raise awareness about male violence towards women. Since then, this event has become a global movement. Tens of thousands of men march annually, raising millions for local organizations supporting gender-based violence victims.
The event serves a dual purpose: to create awareness about the cause and raise funds for it. By walking in high heels, men show their empathy and solidarity with women who suffer from male violence. They challenge social norms linking masculinity to aggression and femininity to weakness. The red color of the shoes symbolizes the blood and pain that women endure as a result of male violence.
The event raises funds for local crisis centers and shelters. It supports survivors with counseling, legal aid, and medical care. They also work to prevent future violence by educating the public, engaging the community, and empowering the victims.
One example of such an event is the College of Coastal Georgia’s third annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes gathering held on Wednesday morning, Oct. 11. More than 100 students, faculty, staff, and community members participated in the event, which was organized by the college’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, in partnership with the Glynn Community Crisis Center. The event raised over $2,000 for the center, which also serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the area.
One of the participants, John Holand, a sophomore majoring in business, said he decided to join the event because he wanted to show his support for the cause.
“I think it’s important for men to stand up against gender violence and to show respect for women. It’s not easy to walk in these shoes, but it’s nothing compared to what women go through daily,”
he said.
Another participant, Jane Smith, a senior majoring in psychology, said she was impressed by the turnout and the men’s enthusiasm.
“I think it’s great that so many men are willing to walk a mile in her shoes. It shows that they care and that they want to make a difference. I hope this event will inspire more people to join the fight against gender violence,”
she said.
The event was a fun and creative way to raise awareness and funds and a powerful symbol of solidarity and commitment to ending gender violence. It served as a reminder that every individual is responsible for contributing to creating a safer and more just society for everyone.
Interested in learning more about the event or getting involved? Visit the official website of Walk a Mile in Her Shoes at www.walkamileinhershoes.org. There, you can find information on organizing or joining an event in your area, donating or volunteering for a local organization, and accessing resources and support if you or someone you know is a victim of gender-based violence.
