A large crowd in high heels and sleek flats joined forces with the UMKC Women’s Center to raise awareness of sexual assault and violence.
Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes is an annual internationally coordinated event that invites participants to understand and appreciate women’s experiences in order to help change perspectives, improve relationships and decrease the potential for violence.
Bearing brightly colored signs and stepping out in leather pumps, many of the participants shared with each other the reasons why they march.
Here is what a few of them said:
“I love walking in heels. I’ve seen women in my life go through sexual assault. I want to support all the women in my life.”
“I’m walking to support women. They tell me their stories and anything we can do to help, I want to.”
“It’s important as a fraternity member. We want to continue to show up and let people know you’re not too manly to walk. It’s a good cause.”
“We always come out and show support. It’s important to show women as equals.”
“I walk with my fraternity and friends. I feel like women’s rights are not talked about in society and needs to be fixed.”
Helpful Resources
If you or someone you know has experienced relationship violence, UMKC has several resources to help you. Here are some of the best places to start.
UMKC Women’s Center advocates, educates, and provides support services for the advancement of women’s equity on campus and within the community. In addition to helpful resources, they host several events on campus throughout the year.
The Office of Violence Prevention and Response has several resources on their website, like how to help a friend, how to get help for yourself and many other resources at UMKC and in the community.
If you are dealing with sexual assault or harassment, the Title IX Office can help you get the support that you need.
In addition, UMKC has made Not Anymore online training free and available to students so you can learn how to be proactive in preventing interpersonal violence in our community.