Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an annual event that asks men to literally walk one mile in a pair of high heels as a fun way to get the community talking about something that isn’t always easy to discuss, gender relations and sexual violence.
The event is put on by Women’s Community House in London in an effort to raise money for the shelter so they can continue assisting women and their families.
Development Manager at Women’s Community House, Pamela Coray, says from the donations and money raised they are able to “provide emergency and short term shelter, basic needs, counselling and support to roughly 6000 residents from London and area.”
She says getting men involved is an important step in solving the problem.
“It’s a community problem not just a women’s problem, and it’s been very encouraging over the years to watch the men come out and show their support for a community and a world free of violence.”
For Syd Floyd, it is his 5th year stepping into a pair of red shoes and this year he got to lead the pack as he raised the second highest amount by a single person last year. He raises money because of a personal connection to the issue.
“I come and support because of my past there has been a couple people I had helped out, and these people just don’t get the acknowledgement that they need so we need to come out and support them and get the funding to help them in their time of need.”
There are numerous ways to continue supporting the Women’s Community Centre.
Pamela Coray encourages people to go to their website and make a donation or check out the list of a variety of needed items such as:
- Pajamas
- Hair brushes
- Paper towel
- Bus tickets
Though to be a part of the walk you have to be male, that didn’t stop many women to come show their support and thank the men for being part of the solution.