Ponolove, the University of Hawai‘i Maui College Sexual Violence Prevention Taskforce, in collaboration with the University of Hawai’i at Manoa Women’s Center and Women Helping Women, will be hosting its second annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is an internationally recognized men’s march to stop rape, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and gender violence.  This event will take place on Friday, October 19th from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on the UH Maui College Great Lawn. Prior to “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”, there will be a “General Dynamics of Domestic Violence Training” in the Pilina Multi-Purpose Room from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is being held to increase awareness about issues of violence towards women. It encourages men to be the leaders in the fight towards preventing violence against women, and asks men to walk a “mile” in women’s high-heeled shoes to support the saying: ”You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” The goal is to open up communication about sexual violence and to help men better understand and appreciate women’s experiences, and it also highlights the fact that sexual violence does not just affect women but also the men, family, and friends who care about them.

The first 200 participants will get a free t-shirt and a chance to win a $100 cash drawing. The event will be emceed by the ZOO CREW from the Da Jam 98.3 FM morning show, and there will be music and informational services from Maui County agencies.

The public can confirm their participation by calling 808-984-3278, or registering at www.whwmaui.net. For more information, visit www.walkamileinhershoes.org or “LIKE” the event’s FaceBook page atwww.facebook.com/WAM.UH.MAUI.