'Walk a Mile in Her Shoes' promotes sexual assault awareness

On a chilly Thursday afternoon, male University of Northern Iowa students clumsily walked around campus in bright red, high-heeled shoes. These students were experiencing what women endure by taking part in the event "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes," which is an international men's mile-long march to raise awareness for rape, sexual assault and gender violence. UNI's event was sponsored by Kappa Sigma, Phi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Gamma Phi Beta, Alpha Xi Delta, Alpha Phi and Alpha Delta Pi.

The walk started at the Alumni House, where men signed up at tables and were given their heels while the women encouraged them every step of the way. Even President Benjamin Allen was there to watch male students try on their red pumps.

"I'm here to observe the stylish fittings," he said. "I'm not participating because of the surgery I had. I was advised not to do it. But it's a great program to raise awareness."

President Allen also expressed his interest in participating in the future.

"Maybe next year I'll test it," he said.

Joe Montgomery, a freshman Public Relations major, explained why he donned the red heels.

"I'm part of Phi Kappa Alpha and I heard about the event from them and they said what a great event it was," he said. "I also heard people who came back from it and they said they had a lot of fun, so I thought I'd try it out."

Montgomery also explained how it felt to be in high heels.

"I'm not too good at balancing in them, and I don't know how I'm going to walk. I really don't know how women do it."

There were also many women who attended the event. Mary Beth Drey, a junior elementary education major and member of Alpha Xi Delta, explained how her sorority contributed to the event.

"We are supporting the walkers, buying shirts and donating to the cause," she said.

When asked what she thought of her male friends wearing heels, she responded, "I love it! I think it's great and funny. They look good doing it. It's hot."

Joel Anderson, former student body president, spent his last day as president sporting the bright red high heels with his fellow students. During the last quarter mile, Anderson expressed what it felt like to walk a mile in heels.

"I feel better toned. I'm going to be looking great in my little black dress," he laughed. "No, my feet are killing me and my legs hurt."

Anderson explained why he chose to participate in the event on the last day of his term as president.    

"I am a huge advocate for sexual assault awareness. Anything I can do to make it easier for a victim to come forward or an advocate to step up, I will do it," Anderson said.

After the walk, those who participated in the event met up at the top of the Union where volunteers handed out food and drinks as speakers wrapped up the event.