Renfrewshire’s first ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ march saw dozens of local people turn out in atrocious weather to show their support for an international campaign to end violence against women.
Three men were a sight to behold as they marched down Paisley High Street in red high heels to raise awareness of gender based violence against women.
After the march, Councillor Iain McMillan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Social Work, Health and Wellbeing Policy Board, spoke about the importance of raising awareness on the subject of violence against women.
A minute’s silence followed the laying of a special wreath at the memorial tree in Dunn Square to commemorate women who suffer from or have tragically been killed due to violence.
‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ marked the end of Renfrewshire’s 16 Days of Action, a local version of the UN’s international campaign to end violence against women.
Councillor McMillan said: “The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event was a great success. It was an opportunity to reflect on the ways women are affected by violence and how men can help to change that.
“It was great to see so many local men taking part and stepping out in high heels to support a great cause.
“And while the march was great fun, it was also important to take a serious moment at the wreath laying ceremony to remember all those women who have been lost to violence.
“We hope that events like these will help raise awareness and encourage discussions about how to end gender based violence and support women who experience it.”
Help and advice for victims of rape and sexual abuse is available from Rape Crisis Scotland, daily 6pm to midnight, on 08088 01 03 02.