Ladies footwear needed for men to ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’

Cadwyn Housing Association in partnership with Cardiff Council are appealing for donations of ladies shoes, sized eight and above.

Men from across Cardiff at the 2016 event

This unusual request comes in preparation for the ‘Walk a Mile in Her shoes’, an event which will see over 150 men come together and walk a mile wearing ladies shoes to support the campaign against violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

The public event which is in its fourth year, will take place on Friday 20^th October 2017 and will start at Cardiff Castle.

We are appealing for ladies footwear for participants to squeeze their feet into on the day, so if you have any shoes in sizes eight or above that you no longer want, or if you are a retailer with generous ladies footwear in stock that you could donate please come forward.

Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Elsmore said: “The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is one of Cardiff’s key event’s to promote our city’s commitment to the White Ribbon Campaign, the largest global effort of men working to end male violence against women. We as a local authority aim to raise awareness of violence against women, challenge attitudes and engage men in discussing these issues.

“Although there is an element of fun surrounding the event, the message is very clear and the walk itself demonstrates a public and visible commitment that the men taking part will not condone violence against women in any form.

“If anyone does have any women’s footwear of any sort in size eight and above – not just high heels – please donate them so that we can get as many men involved this year as we possibly can.”

Chris O’Meara, Cadwyns’ Chief Executive said:  “This event started with fourteen men who worked for Cadwyn, walking down Newport Road in high heels and carrying a banner of support. It’s fantastic to see how it’s growing. However much women support this cause, men standing up to say that domestic violence is always wrong is always going to be a more powerful message. We are very keen to continue supporting this campaign.”

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is part of the White Ribbon Campaign, the world’s largest male led movement to end men’s violence against women which sees supporters wearing white ribbons.

Every year in the UK more than one million women suffer domestic abuse and more than 360,000 are sexually assaulted.  Although abuse against women is disproportionately higher, anyone can be affected by violence and abuse.

To be a part of the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event please register at www.walkinhershoes.wales

For more information about the White Ribbon Campaign visit www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk

Join the conversation #WhiteRibbonCardiffVale

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse you can seek help and support from the Live Fear Free helpline:  0808 80 10 800 (24hr free confidential helpline)  www.livefearfree.gov.wales

The last date for shoe-donations is 5pm on Wednesday 18^th October. If you are unable to get to one of our drop-off points but would like to help please contact Ryan Parry on 029 2043 4473 or Nicola Jones on 029 2053 7009.