The Office for Intercultural Engagement and Leadership hosted its fifth annual “A Walk in Her Shoes March,” inviting students to walk in high heels to raise awareness about women’s issues. The event was held in partnership with UNK Fraternity & Sorority Life and the Spouse Sexual Abuse Family Education Center, Inc.
The march is aimed at engaging the campus community in discussions about domestic and dating violence.
“The goal is to raise awareness within the campus community, especially among male students, about the challenges female students face every day and to inform everyone of the resources available both on campus and in the local community,” said Augie Sanchez, interim director of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership.
Before the march commenced, male participants pledged to stand against gender violence. The event, hosted around the Cope Fountain, invited men to strap on high heels for a march across campus to raise awareness about dating violence. As they walked in high heels, participants symbolized their dedication to better understanding the struggles faced by those affected by gender violence.
Most of the men who participated were members of Greek Life organizations on campus. By stepping into high heels for the march, these participants supported survivors of gender-based violence. They also represented the involvement of Greek Life in raising awareness and advocating for social change.
“One of the key goals of Walk in Her Shoes is to raise awareness that gender-based violence is everyone’s issue,” said Karlee Nuttelman, assistant director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. “While it is a fun way to raise awareness, it is still a very serious topic, not only in Kearney but in America. I think this is just one small way to take a stand and hopefully encourage folks to stand up against gender-based violence every day.”
Many participants understood the issues women face today and wanted to participate in standing up and walking for them.
“The reason I am walking today is I want to support all the victims who went through the traumatic experience, and I just think as a guy in the world today it is important to be here and support all the women,” said Lance Haberman, member of Delta Tau Delta. “Since I am in Greek Life, I think the biggest thing is to regularly schedule speakers to come and talk to our fraternity and try to learn and talk to more people on campus about it to spread awareness.”
The first 100 event attendees received complimentary T-shirts featuring this year’s Halloween theme, and hot cocoa was also provided. The S.A.F.E Center set up tables to engage with the community and offer resources for survivors of gender-based violence. The Equity and Compliance Office also participated, sharing information about campus policies and promoting health and safety initiatives.
“We provide a variety of services, including emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, free counseling and support groups to meet individual needs,” said Veronica Holguin, S.A.F.E. Center’s prevention coordinator. “There are many ways to support the S.A.F.E. Center’s mission, such as attending events like ‘A Walk in Her Shoes,’ holding fundraisers or drives for supplies and promoting healthy relationships in everyday life. This includes recognizing what makes a relationship healthy, knowing available resources and sharing information on social media to raise awareness.”
