High heels. Infamously uncomfortable. Historically feminine. This past Thursday afternoon, April 24, students gathered to table and participate in a special event at the Oreo. Multiple on-campus organizations partnered with the Title IX Office to raise money and awareness for rape, sexual assault and gender-based violence with a unique twist: men wearing high heels. The bright displays drew in curious onlookers, opening the door to important conversations that might otherwise be difficult to begin.
This event was part of a larger organizational movement spearheaded by Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®, in which men participate in a one-mile march after strapping on stilettos. Created by men, the Walk is a distinctive opportunity to spread awareness and advocate for the end of sexual and domestic violence. By asking participants to literally walk in women’s shoes, the event encourages a deeper level of empathy and reflection.
At the Walk, men take on this attention-grabbing challenge, an act designed to confront gender stereotypes and expectations head-on. It is not an easy task but an experience rooted in education and self-reflection. The focus of this event is to confront sexualized violence predominantly targeted at women. Organizers emphasized that the spirit of the event was not about shaming or blaming but about fostering solidarity and understanding across gender lines.
With a catchy title and intriguing concept, Walk events spark conversations within the broader community, paving the way for change. Sexual and domestic violence are difficult subjects to bring up in conversation, but the Walk gets communities, like our own, talking. Through such discussions, we raise awareness, create opportunities for healing and demonstrate our community’s willingness to stand together. Participation, whether by walking, donating, or simply engaging with the message, is a powerful reminder that change starts with each of us.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® was founded in 2001 by Frank Baird. Since then, it has grown into an international movement.
“We came up with this wild idea that we could ask men to walk a mile in women’s high-heeled shoes,” Baird said in an interview. “It would be fun, outrageous, and, most importantly, experiential… Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is about men’s empathy and support for women.”
Sabrina Smurro, a representative from Alpha Chi Omega—one of the participating organizations—echoed these sentiments, expressing appreciation for the strong turnout and the community-wide support the event symbolized.
Sexual violence remains an unfortunate reality, with about one in five women and one in 16 men experiencing sexual assault during college. Throughout the event, Villanova’s campus was decorated with yard signs and balloons displaying statistics like these, emphasizing that sexual violence affects even our own community. The visual reminders scattered across campus helped frame the issue as one that is not distant or abstract, but immediate and personal.
As Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to a close, people should continue to prioritize and bring awareness to this impactful cause. To learn more about campus resources and future events regarding sexual violence, please refer to the Title IX Office and the Sexual Assault Resource Coordination Team (SARC).
In this context and beyond, it is incredibly important to listen. When we listen, we open ourselves to discussion and learning. By approaching others with empathy, patience and a willingness to listen, we help break the cycle of ignorance and silence. In doing so, we become better friends, students and people. Everyone brings a unique perspective to the table. It is our job to be open to hearing and learning from them. After all, one cannot understand another person’s experience until they have walked a mile in their shoes.
