Men come to heel to back domestic abuse campaign
YOU may have looked twice if you saw more than 100 men, all clad in women’s shoes, walking through Cardiff city centre yesterday.
But, they were enduring blisters and tingly feet for a good reason.
The men were taking part in a charity event called Walk a Mile in her Shoes – part of the White Ribbon campaign, where men work to end domestic violence against women.
Every year in the UK more than one million women suffer domestic abuse and more than 360,000 are sexually assaulted.
The charity says that although abuse against women is disproportionately higher, anyone can be affected by violence and abuse.
This year, Cardiff council teamed with Cadwyn Housing Association to organise the event. It was the fourth year of the event and 137 people took part. Starting at Cardiff Castle, they followed a one-mile route around the city centre, finishing back at the castle.
Employees from South Wales Police, Cadwyn Housing, Safer Wales and Royal Mail were joined on the walk by council staff including councillors and cabinet member Graham Hinchey and Caro Wild.
The group of men wore everything from heels to wedges, many of which had been donated.
Coun Wild said: “The White Ribbon Campaign is the largest global movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, promoting gender equality and a new version of masculinity.
“This event demonstrated our commitment to working towards changing cultures and abolishing unacceptable behaviours inside and outside of the workplace. The growth in this event shoes that Cardiff is a city that is challenging attitudes and will not tolerate violence against women in any form.”
Chief executive at Cadwyn Housing Association Chris O’Meara said: “The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes had a humble beginning when we first took part in 2014.
“I’m extremely proud of how this walk has grown year on year and how much awareness it helps to raise for such an important issue.”