Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes, the international march which was brought to the GS campus five years ago, has become a Georgia Southern tradition over the years. The march calls for participants to walk a mile in red high heels to raise awareness for gender and sexual violence and also funds for the Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center.

The program was coordinated by committee leaders from numerous departments on the GS campus. Coordinators include the University Wellness Program, the criminal justice program and the Counseling Center.

Elisabeth Malloy, freshman political science major, is familiar with the event.

“It’s when people can sign up to walk a mile to raise awareness of daily inequalities and inconveniences the average women faces and is made to expect,” Malloy said.

Each year, the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes program has a new focus for participating. Sexual Assault Student Educator President Kristen Baker believes there are many things that participants should place their attention on during the event.

“We are focusing on this year on how to take action beyond this event,” Baker said. “It is one that attracts people to it because it is, in a sense, fun and different, but we want every participant to walk away feeling like they can do something.”

Baker also speaks on what is to come in this program and what people need to pay attention to for this program.

“Beyond it being fun, we want everyone to realize the severity of the problem we face as a college community with sexual and gender violence,” Baker said. “We are going to have an “Action Booth” where participants learn more about government officials, state laws and how to create a bigger impact with the program.”

Last year’s program brought over 300 participants, which included male student athletes, teachers, faculty and staff. All proceeds were given to the Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault Center.

The route will begin the Rotunda, heading down to the library gazebo up to Forest Drive and back through the Russell Union.

Registration for the program ends March 30 at 3:30 p.m. The official walk will begin at 5 p.m. Statesboro community members are also encouraged to participate as well.