The “Walk a mile in her shoes”  march took place in Bulgaria for the fourth consecutive year. Once again men marched in women’s high-heeled shoes to raise awareness of violence against women.

This year the men marched along Vitoshka Boulevard in Sofia wearing red shoes and carrying slogans against domestic and sexual violence. This time there was heavy rain – perhaps this was the reason why, unlike previous years, the march was not competitive but more of a stroll with friends. One of the event’s organizers Monica Pisankuneva, chair of the Bilitis Resource Center Foundation, tells us more about the aims of what may seem to be a frivolous diversion:

“It aims to raise awareness of the problem and is a way to set the scene for discussions in other circles that could result in legislative changes or at least prompt the institutions towards more efficient prevention and protection of victims. The event itself has a more direct effect – it helps women be braver and start talking about the problem. One in four women in Bulgaria suffer domestic violence, but very few speak out about the problem, report it or seek protection. The law on protection against domestic violence envisages a number of measures provided the woman submits a complaint in court. A ruling may be issued that the abusive party leave the home and the woman may temporarily be put up at a safe house. But the abused side has to be active.”

What are women afraid of and what stops them from seeking help? Monica Pisankuneva:

“Domestic violence is connected with a feeling of shame and fear and women who are victims of violence are often economically dependent on their spouses and do not feel they are free to make the choice and leave. It is much more difficult for them than it is for women who earn their own living. The traditional norms which stipulate that women must have a family and do as the head of the household bids are a prerequisite for inequality, which is, in turn, a prerequisite for violence. And not just in heterosexual families.”

Stoyan Mihailov was not deterred by the downpour and walked a mile in high heels. Here is what he says about the problem of violence and about the march:

“It was quite a bit of fun today, but all the time I was thinking that high heels must have been invented by the inquisition. What women go through when they walk in high heels really is a form of heroism, especially for longer distances. People must realize that men and women are human beings and that the other person has his or her own viewpoint and rights, though they may be different to our own. We must support one another.”

Christian Baykov from the National Safe Internet Centre says there are steps that can be taken against violence online.

“In cases of online harassment it is important to work with the people subjected to harassment online but also with the perpetrators because they are often trauma victims themselves and that is what pushes them to use hate speech. The Internet develops faster than any laws, and not just in Bulgaria. More and more efforts are being made in this sphere. But at a national and international level it is difficult to keep up with the pace of change of the Internet.”

Christian also joined in the march and walked a mile in women’s shoes:

“Walking in her shoes is no easy thing, it takes inner strength and determination to put yourself in another person’s place. It may not be easy but it is a good thing because it broadens the horizon.”

The march put a smile on the men’s faces but there were a few twisted ankles as well. And they all agreed it was not easy to “walk in her shoes”. The participants are hoping that their “voice” will be heard and the state and the public at large will give more thought to the problem. Compared to previous years, more foundations and other organizations showed an interest in the initiative but unfortunately the weather kept many at home and there were less people attending. Evidently, it will take more time and effort to really walk a mile in her shoes.

English version: Milena Daynova