If you saw a group of men and young children kitted in high heels walking along the Sea Point Promenade on Saturday 1 April, it wasn’t an April fool’s prank but rather a gender-based violence (GBV) awareness initiative organised by the Sea Point Lions Club.
The Walking in Heels initiative is aimed at men to symbolically place themselves in women’s situations.
The club provides basic services to the community; this includes providing health care and education, empowering the vulnerable, and promoting positive social change among others.
The event, which started at 09:30, was aimed at raising both awareness and funds.
Ido Gordon, President of Sea Point Lions Club, explains that it was the club’s first solo event as they collaborated with other clubs in previous years.
“We had some men, young people and families. The idea is to symbolically put yourself in someone else’s shoes. It is uncomfortable and difficult but so is GBV. It is a difficult topic to talk about and hurtful to the victims. Although it was fun, it’s not a fun topic.”
Gordon explains that the women’s shoes were donated by Rocksole Shoes in Bo-Kaap.
Gordon says creating awareness is imperative to fighting the scourge of GBV.
“We need to talk about GBV. If you see it in your community, whether you are a victim or you know of a victim there are organisations out there that can help. You can try and approach them.”
Gordon says GBV affects everyone.
“While it is aimed at men it is also open to women who are victims themselves or women who support those who are victims of GBV. The violence is not only against women and children, it is also experienced among the LGBTQI+ community.”
Funds generated will be handed to the Mosaic Training Service and Healing Service.
The organisation aims to empower women and girl survivors of domestic violence and abuse by creating enabling environments for them and supporting them through their healing process and ensuring that they become positive, and active drivers of change in their own lives.
Noluthando Muzanenhamo, the court support worker at the organisation, says: “Events like the heels initiative are important because GBV and domestic violence is like a pandemic in our country and statistics are increasing instead of decreasing. As an organisation, it is our priority to make sure people are aware of GBV and what their rights are if they are being abused.”
She explains that the organisation has court support workers at 13 courts around the Western Cape.
Muzanenhamo says they are grateful for the funds received from Sea Point Lions Club.
“It will be very beneficial for us because we are running programmes where we are empowering women with skills development. We also have two other shelters outside Cape Town and there they also need resources.”
Gordon appeals to more people, especially men, to get involved and join their walk next year.
“We are calling on more people to get involved. We will be posting on our social media channels.”
