Yesterday, hundreds of UMKC students, staff, faculty, and Kansas City community members gathered on campus to participate in Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, the international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence. In support of putting a stop to the violence against women, men slipped on high heels and literally walked a mile around campus. It was really a sight to see. The enthusiasm of the crowd was contagious and the passion for the cause was enormous. Some men really got into the event and prizes were given to those with the most enthusiasm. Winners included:
The Platforms Award (for the team and individual who stood head and shoulders above the rest in fundraising): Team winner, KC Police Dept; Individual winner, Keith Winterhalter
The Strut Your Stuff Award (for the guy who really channeled his inner woman and worked those heels!): Tony Hay
The Stiletto Awards ( for the most spirited guys who rose to the occasion, put aside all inhibitions, and whole-heartedly embraced the cause) :Individual winner, Bob Young; UMKC Student Organization winner, UMKC Athletics; UMKC Fraternity winner, Sigma Alpha Epsilon; UMKC Staff/Faculty winner, Robert Greim.
The Nike Award(for the guy who raced to victory in his high-heeled stride): Andrew Sass
The Shoe-In Award (for the guy most likely to follow in the footsteps of a celebrity): Nick Alu aka Rufus McNasty
Although the event was full of fun and laughs, the cause is very serious. Every day, thousands of people, including college students, are victims of sexual assault, and domestic violence. Events such as Walk a Mile in Her Shoes hosted by the UMKC Women’s Center, and the Violence Prevention Response Project help to educate and bring awareness to these atrocities. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and there are several campus events coming up, such as the Clothesline Project and These hands Don’t Hurt and the White Ribbon Campaign. Please come out and support these events to help end the violence. More information can be found on the Women’s Center Website. For more pictures from yesterday’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, check out http://www.kansascity.com/938/gallery/1463066.html.
The event was a success. I had a real good time there and hopefully it will continue throughout the years to prevent violence against women.
This event was very educational. I learned things that I have never known before. The event inspired me to work towards bringing an end to sexual abuse.
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