by Ashleigh Sanchez
Daily Lobo
About 60 men stumbled across campus in high heels Saturday to raise awareness of violence against women.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes was put on by the YWCA and members of UNM's Greek community.
The men walked from Johnson Field to Lomas Boulevard and back.
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People need to recognize that violence against women is a major problem, said Donna Audette, executive director of the YWCA.
"Anyone can be an abuser, and any amount is too much," she said. "Real men don't hit women."
The YWCA sponsored the walk in 45 other cities this year, including Los Angeles and St. Louis.
The event raised about $3,000 from fees paid by participants, Audette said.
She said the money goes to the YWCA, which advocates empowering women and ending racism.
Student Mackenzie Woods, a member of Phi Gamma Delta, said violence against women needs to stop.
"We are proud to be part of this," Woods said. "The Greeks are in a position to be able to advocate change and pledge our future support for this event."
Jenny Marlowe, Miss New Mexico 2007, spoke to the participants about her experiences with abuse.
"When I was 14, I was assaulted by two seniors at my high school," she said. "I didn't know where to go for help. You guys are raising awareness of this issue, and I'm here supporting you."
Participant A.J. Carian, who works with the City of Albuquerque, said this isn't the first time he has advocated for women's rights.
"I've been involved in this issue since college," he said. "I'm here to support the mayor's initiative to end gender violence and sexual assault."
Participant Fred Brown said the shoes were painful, but they were an effective way to draw attention to the problem.
"I have three sisters," he said. "Everyone just needs to be aware of these issues."
Sorority members helped participants complete the walk, and there was an ambulance in case of any injuries.
There were no serious injuries, but many of the men were limping afterward. A few returned bleeding from broken blisters.
