Walk a Mile in Her Shoes poster imageMale faculty, staff and students are invited to walk against sexual assault Saturday, May 24.

Men invited to step up against sexual violence against women and children

A UWindsor women’s studies professor is inviting male members of the campus community to sign on to an international initiative that asks men to be part of the solution to sexual violence against women and children.

During the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event, men literally walk a mile in women’s shoes to show their commitment to ending sexual violence and to raise awareness in their community about the issues related to sexual assault.

Heather Hartley is president of the board of directors of the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre of Essex County. The centre is seeking local organizations and businesses to create teams of participants, and professor Hartley hopes to see a team represent the University of Windsor.

“I think this is an opportunity for the University of Windsor to make a strong statement in the fight against sexual assault in our community,” she says.

Associate vice-president academic Bruce Tucker, athletics director Mike Havey and Lancer football coach Joe D'Amore have already committed to participating. Registration is free; organizers provide lunch and women’s shoes to walkers.

The event is Saturday, May 24, and begins at 11 a.m. at the Riverside Sportsmen’s Club, 10835 Riverside Drive East. To join the UWindsor team, e-mail Hartley at hhartley@uwindsor.ca.

She produced a video documentary on the walk. Watch it now.