Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House host annual ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’

TIFTON, Ga. – In a bold stride towards ending domestic violence, men are preparing to ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.’

Ruth’s Cottage & The Patticake House recently organized their customary ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ event at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. During this annual gathering, men and boys joined in a March, proudly donning high heels as a symbol of their solidarity and unwavering support for women.

“Our annual ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ event is the closure event of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month. So, at the beginning of the month, we have a serious event of a candlelight visual. But, at the end of the month, we like to have a little fun to bring attention to the issue. So, we ask for men to put on some heels and walk three miles in her shoes,” said Nancy Bryan, Executive Director, Ruth’s Cottage & The Patticake House.

As these gentlemen lace up their high heels, these participants are not just taking a step, but they are taking a stand. This unique event sends a powerful message, uniting individuals to raise awareness and support survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence, with the a shared aspiration of fostering a future in which they experience enhanced safety and security.

Executive director of Ruth’s Cottage & The Patticake House, Nancy Bryan, provides insight into the symbolic significance of men walking in women’s heels.

“Before the men start walking, they are going to take a pledge, that they are going to have healthy relationships with their partners in the future. That they are gonna do all possible to respect women and their partners in the future, and to not harm them in any way. Then, they demonstrate that by wearing her shoes. Literally, putting themselves in the place of what a women goes through, even if that in this case means wearing high heels and walking in them for a mile. Which causes pain, and that’s the point we want to make,” said Bryan.

Nancy Bryan explains how everyone can actively contribute to the battle against domestic and intimate partner violence, in addition to lending their support to the ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ event…

“The best thing for this event, that someone could help us with is taking part in it. So, if you’re a female and there is a man in your life, next year, get him out here to wear some heels and make a point. Business can also have a group that walks. We take sponsors to help defray the expenses of the event. So, there are all kinds of ways to help us,” said Bryan.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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