By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD — Several men strapped on high heels Friday for the Mt. Graham Safe House’s second annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event at the Graham County Courthouse, aimed at raising awareness about sexual abuse and gender-based violence.
The event is part of a global initiative where men wear high heels — often bright red stilettos — and walk one mile to symbolically experience some of the physical challenges women face while raising funds and awareness to prevent sexualized violence, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” was founded in 2001 by Frank Baird. It encourages men to literally and figuratively “walk in women’s shoes,” challenging gender biases and sparking conversations about gender relations. The campaign is frequently organized by local rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters to promote men as allies in preventing gender-based violence.
Second-year participant Jonathan Burnett leaned on his wife for support at times during the walk. He called the experience eye-opening.
“I understand now the struggle it is to walk in her shoes,” he said.
After being fitted for shoes and hearing a short introduction from Mt. Graham Safe House Outreach Coordinator Brandy Burnett, the group paraded down Main Street and returned along U.S. Highway 70, completing a one-mile loop back to the courthouse.
Brandy Burnett told the crowd that victims of sexual assault often deal with lifelong repercussions, and the event offers men a small glimpse into the daily challenges many women face.
“That’s why we’re doing this event,” Burnett said. “To show them what women have to suffer through, what they go through.”
Mt. Graham Safe House Executive Director Jeanette Aston agreed, noting the symbolic nature of the activity.
“While it’s literally only one mile in high heels, it’s just kind of symbolic of the kinds of things women face on a day-to-day basis,” Aston said.
In addition to learning about women’s experiences, participants were entered into a raffle with prizes including a grill and a 65-inch TV.
Attendee and grill raffle winner Christian Montez said he had a newfound respect for the women in his life after completing the walk.
“Women are strong man,” Montez said. “My momma and my sisters are strong. Just walking in heels alone is crazy; everything else is crazy.”
“We’re so excited to have this event for the second year in a row and to get such a big turnout this year compared to last year,” Aston said. “We’re hoping next year that we’ll have even more.”
