International men's march in Rome against rape

An international men's march against rape, sexual assault and domestic violence takes place in Rome's Nando Martellini Stadium at Terme di Caracalla on Saturday 25 October from 14.00-17.00.

Organised by Ipazia, the women's club at John Cabot University in Rome, the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event is supported by university authorities and the city administration, as well as other students’ clubs and organisations in the capital.

The idea is based on the old saying: "You can't really understand another person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes" and the event requires men to literally walk one mile in women's high-heeled shoes.

Anna Colella, advisor to Ipazia, told Wanted in Rome that she believes there has never been an event of this kind in Italy, and she hopes it will be the first of many. "This initiative came from the students, in particular from Ipazia – she said – the students decided to make it an open event, due to the importance of the topic."

Organisers admit it is not easy walking in high heels but they promise it will be a fun event and more importantly it gets the community to face up to gender relations and men's sexual violence against women.

To join the walk costs €5 but participants must email ipazia@johncabot.edu in advance with their shoe size. They will then be provided with shoes, and a t-shirt, on the day. Donations are also welcome and all proceeds go to the Pangea Onlus Foundation whose representatives will be on hand to explain all about their projects, in particular their shelters for women and children victims of domestic violence.

For more information on the event – which asks “Are you man enough?” – see its Facebook page.