Walk A Mile…2009 Pics, Highlights, & Thanks!

Is there anything harder than walking in heels up and down hills or stairs or while pushing a stroller on a college campus? Last night on the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, nearly a hundred men found out first hand and gained a new appreciation for what women are put through to look “fashionable” or “sexy” in our culture. About 200 people came out to support these men as they took a stand to march against sexual violence.
Walk A Mile In Her Shoes has been around since 2001 but has received some criticism of late for making a mockery of women’s experience, and also limiting the victimization of sexual violence — as if it only happens to women. Both are valid points. I believe this march creates space to begin conversations about how men and women can partner together to end sexual violence. High heels are only a representation of ALL the devices that are meant to keep women, collectively, “in their place.” As you see in this photo, many men took on other devices in this walk as well, such as pushing a stroller, wearing hose, painting their nails, and wearing skirts.

Even by walking in these shoes for a mile, participants recognized that they will not fully comprehend what it means to be stereotyped and oppressed by these things daily. That said, many men complained

of blisters, turned ankles, and felt gawked at during the march. Many reported they did not know how women could wear heels at all. By walking in heels, men were able to catch a glimpse of women’s daily experience, have an opportunity to broaden their awareness about how sexual violence impacts their loved ones, and learn that they can be part of the solution by becoming active allies in their communities. This is the goal of the “Walk A Mile” events and I believe that was accomplished at UMKC’s 3rd annual event.

Thanks to all that participated and supported the event. It was great to see so many campus and community men and women join together to walk in support of ending sexual violence. A special thanks to the UMKC’s Women Center for making this event possible.

1 thought on “Walk A Mile…2009 Pics, Highlights, & Thanks!”

Anonymous September 23, 2009 at 9:01 pm

It was amazing to see men in high heels. It was also amazing that about 100 men registered to walk in heels. There are not a lot of men that would actually volunteer to walk a mile going up and down hill with 3 inch heels. I agree with some of the criticism that the events gets sometimes but the event is to prevent violence against women. Men can defend themselves easier than women can.

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