By Jess Morris
More than 100 people gathered in Masterton on Friday to take part in the ‘Walk a Mile In Her Shoes’ men’s march against violence towards women.
The event, which coincided with White Ribbon day, featured the men of Masterton breaking in their best high heels to raise awareness for the cause.
Manager of Stopping Violence Services Wairarapa Jeremy Logan said that the walk was “a good humoured way to address a serious issue, in a way that celebrates our desire of men to have respectful, loving, non-violent relationships with the women in our lives”.
This is the second year in a row that Mr Logan had run the event.
He stressed the importance of promoting the values of men who are “caring, loving, who value equality”.
“We want to support that message and challenge men who oppose that message.”
Awards were presented to those with the most impressive outfits on the day.
Willie Hammond was the winner of a new mobile phone, with PJ Devonshire commenting that he looked “fit for the Melbourne Cup day” in his knee-high peach-coloured dress and stiletto heels.
Senior Sergeant Mike Sutton, who spoke on behalf of the Wairarapa Police, mentioned the fact that “there are tough times out there for a lot of people dealing with family violence”.
He also referenced the need to remember the message of white ribbon day throughout the year.
“As we know, White Ribbon day is every day of the year, we just acknowledge it on this day.”
