Help Stop Violence Against Women

Last year, more than 100 UMKC male students, faculty and staff donned women’s high heels and walked a mile. The symbolic journey is taken to raise awareness of the painful experiences some women endure, and men’s roles in helping lower the potential for harm.

The 2015 Walk a Mile In Her Shoes: International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at the University Playhouse, near 51st and Holmes streets in Kansas City. The march begins at 6 p.m., and the meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Women’s Center and the Violence Prevention and Response Program. Registration is required here. The rain date is Tuesday, Sept.22.

In 2001, Californian Frank Baird convinced several male friends to put on high heels and give men a part in ending rape, sexual assault and gender violence. Baird reasoned that the more men learned about gender roles and relationships, the more women might be spared.

Walking in women’s shoes helps men better understand and appreciate women’s experiences, changing perspectives, helping improve gender relationships and decreasing the potential for violence.

Free parking for community members is available on the fifth and sixth levels of the Cherry Street Garage, 51st and Cherry streets. Walk-up registration is still available the day of the event; however, men need to bring their own shoes.

For more information, contact the UMKC Women’s Center at 816-235-1638.

Registration Fees

$20 – Student with own shoes ($5 tax-deductible)

$25 – Student with Women’s Center shoes ($0 tax-deductible)

$35 – Non-student with own shoes ($20 tax-deductible)

$55 – Non-student with Women’s Center shoes ($30 tax-deductible)

$10 – Spectator ($0 tax-deductible)

Fees for walkers include a t-shirt.

Walk a Mile is sponsored by the UMKC Women’s Center and the Violence Prevention and Response Project. Proceeds benefit the UMKC Violence Prevention and Response Project.

|Wandra Brooks Green, Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications