TORONTO – Men in Toronto will be strutting their stuff to raise awareness to help end violence against women in the White Ribbon Campaign to Walk A Mile in Her Shoes.
Environics Communications vice president Andrew Kinnear says he’s got his “practical brown heels” ready for his fourth Walk A Mile in Her Shoes.
Kinnear says he takes part because he can’t imagine the women in his life experiencing any emotion or physical abuse, and to be a positive influence on his son.
Walk A Mile in Her Shoes Toronto — which has men and boys march in women’s shoes such as high heels — has raised around $400,000 since 2009.
White Ribbon executive director Todd Minerson says there were almost 1,000 walkers from as young as 11 to as old as 70 in last year’s walk.
The goal is to raise $125,000 to fund programs that help men and boys understand the issue of violence against women in Canada.
“I want to promote gender equality and healthier relationships, and to not feel pressured to fit a negative male stereotype,” Kinnear said.
“My father treated people with respect and never had a false sense of who he was, and I think that led to a more fulfilling and positive life.”
Minerson said they ask men and boys to put on women’s shoes because “it’s a fun way for them to experience and understand the different ways women experience the world.”
The discomfort in the heels allows them to understand that there are many other things that must be different for women as well, Minerson added.
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