It Takes a Real Man: Male Trekkers Sought for "Walk-a-Mile-in-Her-Shoes"

Utah State University is seeking more than a few good men to don women’s high heels for a wacky spectacle Wednesday, April 12, to raise funds for a serious issue. In observation of national Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the university’s Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office sponsors its second annual “Walk-a-Mile-in-Her-Shoes.”

“This was a real crowd-pleaser last year, so we knew we had to do an encore, says Rachel Brighton, SAAVI coordinator. “So, again, we’re asking male students, faculty, staff and community members to shed their inhibitions, put on high heels and walk a mile in her shoes.”

 

Brighton says many perceive rape, sexual assault and domestic violence as women’s issues, yet research indicates educational efforts aimed at men are powerful tools in violence prevention.

 

“Inviting men to become allies in ending violence sends a powerful message,” she says. “When men publicly stand up and show their commitment, their actions encourage other men to start thinking about how they personally can do their part to end violence.”

 

Men who wish to participate in the April 12 event should contact Brighton at 435-797-1510 or mailto:rbrighton@cc.usu.edu for a pledge sheet and further information. SAAVI will supply the shoes (in the latest spring colors!) and strives to accommodate all walkers as comfortably as possible.

 

Participants can choose from three walking rounds at 10:20 a.m., 11:20 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. along a mile-long course through campus. Each round, which begins and ends on the Taggart Student Center patio, takes about 20 minutes.

 

Prizes will be awarded to the individual walker who raises the most funds and to the most enthusiastic walker. A traveling trophy goes to the organization with the most participants, along with a $100 Wal-Mart gift certificate.

 

Money raised from the event funds the university’s year-old “One-in-Four” Chapter, along with other campus rape prevention education efforts.

 

One-in-Four is a nationwide network of all-male peer education groups on college campuses aimed at reducing sexual assault and violence. The organization takes its name from a U.S. Department of Justice study that estimates one in four college women have experienced rape or attempted rape since the age of 14.