Why host this event?

Some of the considerations and observations we made coming to the decision to host this event:

• We need to fund raise to survive and to do our work as we have no core funding at the White Ribbon Campaign. We could do a generic gala event, or one that also raises awareness of the issue, and aligns with our belief that this change has to be personal for men, that this change is a process, and the “catalysts” like Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®, or the White Ribbon, can be the starting point for thought, dialogue and critical reflection for the many men who might not otherwise think about the issue of men's violence against women. In addition, we know that many men are influenced strongly by what they think other men think of them. Large public display of men walking to end men's violence against women and help shift the social norm or the perception that men don't care about this issue, that men don’t have a role and responsibility to play.

 

• We know that traditional methods of engagement and awareness-raising have not always been successful, especially in engaging men.

 

• Raising awareness of the issue of men’s violence against women at the Walk A Mile in Her Shoes® event needs to strike a balance between fun and “not serious” and the very serious nature of the issue. We are attempting to find that balance in all our media materials, and in every opportunity to talk about the event. The event should be ‘fun” but not “funny”. We will also provide that balance at the actual event itself with information, stats, a strong community based feminist women’s group presence, and ways for men to further their engagement on the issue following the event.

 

• As much as there is a real concern around the re-enforcing gender stereotypes by men wearing women’s shoes, there is also an alternative view around breaking rigid gender norms for men. We know that gender-based violence is deeply rooted in the way we construct our masculinities. Violence against women is rooted in strict gender norms associated with men’s power and control. That strict masculinity is often enforced through homophobia and other forms of “policing” men’s gender roles. By collectively wearing women’s shoes, and making such a public statement about men’s role in ending violence against women, we are helping to deconstruct some of those strict gender roles and expectations that are unfairly placed on men. 

 

• Provide clarity that the experience of walk one mile in women’s shoes does not in any way equate to suddenly gaining a full understanding of women’s lives and experiences. It can offer a brief glimpse for men, and a way to open our eyes to a critical reflection on gender that most men never have to contemplate in their lives (except perhaps how to make their gender work for them, or how to avoid being policed by other men for stepping outside of “traditional” men’s gender roles).