A unique community event aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence is returning to Cold Lake this spring.

During a recent Cold Lake city council meeting, Jody Hawkridge of Stepping Stones Recovery Centre presented details about the upcoming Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign, scheduled for April 25 at the Energy Centre.

The event is part of an international movement encouraging men to take a stand against violence toward women.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is a man’s march against violence basically is the overall theme,” Hawkridge told council.

Challenging stereotypes and building understanding

The event invites men to literally walk a mile wearing women’s high-heeled shoes — a symbolic act meant to spark conversation and challenge long-standing gender stereotypes.

“We invite men to walk in women’s high heel shoes because it’s a very visible and powerful way to challenge gender stereotypes and rethink the expectations put on women every day,” Hawkridge said.

The campaign also highlights the scale of gender-based violence in Canada, noting that 65 per cent of Canadians know a woman who has experienced abuse.

“You can’t understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. And that’s basically what this event is all about,” Hawkridge added.

A mile around the Energy Centre

Participants will complete their mile by circling the Energy Centre facility.

“10 laps around the energy center is a mile and some people did it fast and backwards and other people struggled right to the end,” Hawkridge said.

Organizers hope the event will encourage community members to talk openly about sexual assault, gender-based violence and rape while also raising funds to support Stepping Stones Recovery Centre programming.

The April event is expected to draw participants from across the Cold Lake region, with organizers encouraging residents to attend, support walkers and take part in the awareness campaign.