Canadian lawmakers recently took part in an event that brings awareness to ending violence against women, but their efforts are being ridiculed on social media.
Hope in High Heels was an event that was originally created as a way for boys and men to show their support for women experiencing domestic violence. But the strange part is that it’s not quite as simple as wearing pink, for example, which is customary for events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or a red ribbon to raise awareness for AIDS. This event involves cross-dressing.
“Violence against women is still prevalent in our society. Hope in Heels is an event that spreads awareness on violence against women while encouraging men and boys to be part of the solution. We wore their signature pink heels in support to this important cause,” Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, tweeted along with a video.
Violence against women is still prevalent in our society. Hope in Heels is an event that spreads awareness on violence against women while encouraging men and boys to be part of the solution. We wore their signature pink heels in support to this important cause. @HaltonWomensPl pic.twitter.com/5qngxQ6Myu
— Omar Alghabra (@OmarAlghabra) April 20, 2023
MP Karina Gould also posted photos from the event, writing: “We welcomed @HaltonWomensPl to the Hill for the 4th annual Hope in High Heels on the Hill, to continue the conversation on systemic violence against women. Educating men and boys is part of the solution, and it is all of our responsibilities to end gender based violence.”
We welcomed @HaltonWomensPl to the Hill for the 4th annual Hope in High Heels on the Hill, to continue the conversation on systemic violence against women.
— Karina Gould (@karinagould) April 20, 2023
Educating men and boys is part of the solution, and it is all of our responsibilities to end gender based violence. pic.twitter.com/W1Y2daIhHP
The lawmakers' actions did not sit well with most Twitter users.
My mom was a domestic abuse survivor and this is not the way you bring awareness to the issue.
— Melissa Mbarki (@MelissaMbarki) April 21, 2023
My mom was a domestic abuse survivor and this is not the way you bring awareness to the issue.
— Melissa Mbarki (@MelissaMbarki) April 21, 2023
Why are pink frigging heels supporting women who experience, or are at risk of violence. This is like some awful parody of what these men believe women are? It’s utter stupidity, it’s bad taste and does nothing worthy at all. https://t.co/PcMWSReMcN
— Emma Kenny (@emmakennytv) April 21, 2023
CANADA - Male politicians parading around in 'signature' pink high heels to be part of the violence against women solution
— Bernie's Tweets (@BernieSpofforth) April 21, 2023
I'm so embarrassed for you this actually made my scalp tingle. 🤡 https://t.co/B4mgDIJByH
These men are true heroes. These are serious people, doing serious work. I'm personally proud that all of my income is stolen from me to support these public servants. https://t.co/05AMPtwGAl
— Gad Saad (@GadSaad) April 21, 2023
They may be male
— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) April 21, 2023
But they are not Men