While women cheered from the sideline, about 180 male marchers made their ways down Court Street feeling a little taller in high heels.
Despite Saturday’s cold and rainy conditions, the fourth annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event saw record numbers with about 400 people in attendance, said event coordinator Thomas Raabe, a first-year graduate student studying communication.
The national event, brought to Ohio University by the Women’s Center, is a one-mile walk in which men raise money for local sexual-assault prevention and crisis centers.
The proceeds from OU’s walk will go to My Sister’s Place, a women’s shelter in Athens.
The Walk a Mile event fell on Parents Weekend this year.
“Personally for me, the highlight of the event was seeing fathers and sons marching together,” Raabe said.
The walk had strong showings from members of OU’s Greek life, African-American student organizations and ROTC.
“It was great seeing a diverse group of marchers there,” Raabe said.
He added that he reached out specifically to dozens of student organizations to become involved.
“I had a good time and feel that it’s good to think that I can still help support the cause, even if it’s by only attending this walk,” said Andrew Stauffer, a second-year graduate student.
Stauffer attended the event after hearing about it from his philosophy-department colleague, Maria Behnke, a third-year graduate student who helped promote the event.
“The best part was seeing everyone in the street cheering us on and the signs,” Stauffer said.
Behnke, a victim of sexual assault, said she was happy with the turnout, adding that it indicated sexual violence isn’t just a women’s issue.
“Women got a great sense of how men are really willing to stand up for not just women but men themselves and raise awareness,” Behnke said.
During the third quarter of Saturday’s football game, Raabe was invited onto the field to receive the Student Spotlight Award, which Student Senate gives to students who demonstrate leadership.
“It was quite humbling to receive an award, and I really wasn’t expecting it,” he said.
The walk concluded with a tailgate outside Peden Stadium before the game, with food donated by GoodFella’s and Quiznos.
Raabe said he plans to continue to participate in the event for years to come.
“I will continue to be an advocate because, like I’ve said, once the heels come off, the movement still continues,” he said.
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