By: Matt Hodder and Genia Kuypers
Can you walk a mile in her shoes?
There were a lot of men who thought they could, and they did. Torontonians gathered at David Pecaut Square in front of Metro Hall on King Street West near John Street this afternoon to raise awareness in the fight to end violence against women.
The walk was hosted by the White Ribbon organization, which has been raising awareness since 1991 in the hopes of a violence-free future.
Todd Minerson, executive director of White Ribbon, was sporting his own pair of heels while greeting participants. Among the crowd was Toronto Ward 20 Councillor Joe Cressy and federal NDP leadership candidate Jagmeet Singh. All showed support with their footwear.
The walk not only hopes to empower women but advocate for gender equality and enabling the end of toxic masculinity. The walk looks to a future that includes men supporting each other in healthy masculinity, forming connections and respect.
The eighth annual walk had only one requirement, a pair of high heels to walk in through the streets of Toronto. Shoes were provided for those without a pair of their own heels. This year the event saw more than 600 participants who raised in excess of $158,000.