Stepping it up: Men walk in heels to increase awareness about violence against women
The classic anthem song, “The Eye of the Tiger,” blared as a group of Aggie men waddled off the starting line sporting hairy legs, wobbly ankles and women’s high heels on Wednesday to promote education against sexual violence.
The Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information Office teamed up with the Associated Students of Utah State University members for Sexual Assault Awareness Day, sponsoring the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” walk-a-thon to raise money for SAAVI office programming.
The money will also help establish a USU chapter of “One in Four”, a national organization formed to educate men about rape and sexual assault toward women.
The walk-a-thon gave 26 male students, faculty, staff and administrators of USU a chance to “take a stand” against sexual violence by walking a mile-long course wearing women’s high heels. Each walker participating in the event received donations for the SAAVI office programming through individual sponsors.
“We’re not making light of the subject, just drawing attention to it,” said Jim Davis, director of the Student Health and Wellness Center. Davis said finding humor in the serious subject will help promote an understanding of women’s lives and awareness of sexual violence.
The U.S. Department of Justice reports rape is the most common violent crime on American college campuses, with about 95 to 99 percent of rapes having male perpetrators.
“That’s why it is important for women to be educated, but crucial for men to take part in the solution,” said SAAVI Coordinator Rachel Hickman during a short speech during the walk-a-thon. USU has the only full-time SAAVI coordinator in Utah.
Participants of the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” walk-a-thon say the event inspired them to stand up to other men that might act in such violent and unnecessary behavior, but made them curious as to why women would wear such uncomfortable shoes.
“I’ve only walked 50 feet and it hurts,” said Davis as he was trying on his strappy, white heels. “Why do women wear these things?”
Charlie Huenemann, philosophy professor and walk-a-thon participant, said, “Walking gives us the smallest possible glimpse of the pain that women have been suffering for years. I’m just embarrassed that I wore blue heels with black pants.”
Members of the different USU Greek fraternities were also supporters of the event.
Matt Bunnell, vice president of development of Sigma Phi Epsilon, said sexual abuse awareness is important because it’s something that happens but no one talks about. He said he thinks the event will help get the issue out in the open.
Bunnell said he also left with a greater knowledge of women’s fashion.
“I understand now that [high heels] hurt and that I should slow down when escorting a beautiful lady,” he said.
Jonas Harmon, a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, used the term “fashion over function” when it came to high heels after “walking the walk,” but feels that One in Four is a very beneficial program to males on campus because education is prevention.
“I’m just glad I’m not a woman – that’s for sure,” said walk-a-thon participant Eric Wright, “but it’s worth it for the cause.”
The event’s list of walkers included: Jim Davis, director of Student Health and Wellness Center; Gary Straquadine, associate vice provost; Alan Anderson, director of Dining Services; Dallin Phillips, Campus Judicial Officer; Rob Zakzrowski, Counseling Center; Charlie Huenemann, philosophy professor and several other male students and faculty members from USU.
Other sponsors of the event included the Community Abuse Prevention Services Agency, ASUSU Government Relations, and The USU dining Services.
-mackhud@cc.usu.edu
Taking a stand against violence against women, male USU students walked a one-mile course in high heels around campus to raise money for the Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office. (Photo by John Zsiray)