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Stood up! Men snub event geared to tackle domestic violence

- Stiletto Walk receives participation of only 2 men
Mrs BVI 2017 Zoe J. Walcott-McMillan leads the Stiletto Walk in Sea Cows Bay on June 30, 2017. Photo: Provided
One of the two men on the Stiletto Walk. Photo: Provided
One of the two men on the Stiletto Walk. Photo: Provided
According to Mrs BVI, Zoe J. Walcott-McMillan, we are seeing ramifications of a society that still has ways to go in recognising that men can be vulnerable and they have access to get help required. Photo: Provided
According to Mrs BVI, Zoe J. Walcott-McMillan, we are seeing ramifications of a society that still has ways to go in recognising that men can be vulnerable and they have access to get help required. Photo: Provided
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI - Advocates fighting to impact all and sundry, especially men and women who continue to be abusive to other human kind, seem to have received a little setback in their struggle.

The Family Support Network (FSN) and other non-government and governmental organisations have intensified the fight against Domestic Violence as the Territory is recording a record high number of cases. Victims have lost their homes, sanity, limbs and even lives.

Commissioner of Police Mr Michael Matthews is constantly on the airwaves and television denouncing these acts of violence, as his institution continues to be saturated with these cases.

But one would have thought that the prevalence of this would see residents from all divides putting differences aside and join any movement that seeks to be a voice against domestic and other forms of violence. However, evidently this is not the case as an event of Wednesday June 28, 2017 showed.

Men missing in action

2017 Mrs BVI Zoe J. Walcott-McMillan, a woman many described as very bold and courageous, a woman who seeks to Win the hearts of the people of her territory in the name of "A better country for all", organised and staged an event caĺled "Stiletto Walk: Walk a mile in her shoes" geared at attracting the participation of especially men to send a message that they care about themselves and the women in their societies.

The walk was done under the umbreĺla of Women In Need (WIN) BVI, a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the Family Support Network (FSN), to encourage men to stand up against all forms of violence even those committed against them as men.

It was a very short walk from C&D Superette to Captain Mulligans in Sea Cows Bay.

However, not one man who could be said to have no direct association with the event turned up. Two males were seen on the walk and their presence had much to do with the participation of the 2017 contestants of the Miss NOV pageant. One of them included Co-chair of the Miss BVI Pageant Committee, Mr Damian C. Grange.

“I am very disappointed that our men did not come out to put their money where their mouths are, and walk in solidarity to show the community that we are not negotiating when it comes to domestic violence and abuse. When it matters and when it counts, we expect you to show up and show out, and I am disappointed that our community did not show up and show out for a cause such as this," said Mrs Walcott-McMillian.

“Historically, it’s not a situation men would feel comfortable talking about and letting the community know they are in a domestic abusive relationship, but we were hoping this event would’ve been able to give them a voice, bringing them closer to the issue that affects a lot of women. It gives them more of an understanding of the situation.”

“The focus has always been on women when it comes to domestic abuse. We are encouraging men to literally walk in their shoes, walk in defiance and non-negotiation of domestic abuse or domestic violence.”

According to Walcott-McMillan, we are seeing ramifications of a society that still has ways to go in recognising that men can be vulnerable and they have access to get help required. She further said organisations advocating against domestic violence have to find ways to attract men who are facing domestic abusive issues and those affected by life’s challenges.

Despite her disappointment at the no show of men, those women who did turn up with pride and poise walked the distance and were sure to capture the attention of many as they sent the desired message through different means.

34 Responses to “Stood up! Men snub event geared to tackle domestic violence”

  • Sun (01/07/2017, 09:28) Like (15) Dislike (25) Reply
    The men did not show up because they are a bunch of cowards. That goes to show you that men in this Country don't care about domestic abuse.
    • Lady (01/07/2017, 10:57) Like (35) Dislike (2) Reply
      Im a female and dont think its fair that men were to wear high heels when half of them dont wear it for a joke, they could of say men wear bright color shoes or something
      • ms. lady (01/07/2017, 14:55) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
        I'm sure wearing heels wasn't mandatory. They could have still come out and supported the cause.
    • MAN (01/07/2017, 15:49) Like (35) Dislike (4) Reply
      As a man I would like to say that the fact that I did not support this stupid event has nothing to do with my views on domestic violence. I am against domestic violence and against this stupid sort of event. It does nothing to prevent domestic violence and is all about the ego of the organizers.
    • ifromeast (01/07/2017, 17:30) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      lol it goes to show that we aint trying to be a poppyshow haha
  • Bvi men (01/07/2017, 10:02) Like (11) Dislike (9) Reply
    Anything the NDP involve in we not coming
  • Plan this event with men (01/07/2017, 10:58) Like (52) Dislike (4) Reply
    As a man, I do not support any sort of violence, domestic or not. I support any activity raising awareness against men, women or children. I also supoort events raising awareness of health issues whether its any type of cancer, STD, diabetes etc. What I would not do is dress up in a tutu and heels or anything feminine.. I'm not doing it. That does not make me coward, it makes me a man. What on earth will a man putting on women shoes walking the street solve. It only makes news for people to laugh at who participated and leave men with burning feet.
    I suggest that if a REAL MAN is not involved in the planning of this event, that you get a few interested men on board and appreciate what they will be comfortable with. A lady will want ladies 'feel good stuff, but a man will want an approach that deal with the issues. The man get out of his high shoes and everybody goes back home...and what happened?
  • In the Spirit of Our Ancestors (01/07/2017, 11:03) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    Most men today are GMOs- Genetically Modified Organisms. They have become soo soft that they loss the spirit to stand-up for what's right in our community. They allow wrong to go on everywhere: in our homes, in our neighbours homes, in our street, they even allow politicians to railroad them, even when they know that they are doing wrong.

    Men in the past- would not allow known domestic violence to go on next door without stepping to that man or woman for that matter (who exhibited excessive masculine energy). Both sides would be put in-checked. Police was our last resort. Stepping up was our men defence. Real men then- looked out for the village.

    Today we just have a bunch of grown boys pretending to be men. Our Territory Day is the right time to reflect holistically on the deep and solid foundation our ancestors developed within the village which made our men strong: spiritually, mentally, and physically. "No weapons form against us shall prosper." Be strong sisters and help our men to discover who they really are.

    Not letting off our sisters easy either, for allot of our sisters have been "mind-f#ck" too- by the conditioning of those who would rather see us destroy each other- our family structure, our relationsips, and hating on each other of the same hues and struggles- designed for their own devious/coverted benefits.

    We all need to reflect and break these chains strangling our minds.

    ONE LOVE - The spirit given to me has been expressed. I'M OUT!



    • Reply (02/07/2017, 13:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Can it be that ALL men see themselves as desireable, all the time??
      god help us.. and a sense of humor..
  • We can do it (01/07/2017, 11:32) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes, there are men here who is against violence towards women and I give them their props. Now, the ones who seems to think this is the norm is a bunch of whimps.
  • O-Rap (01/07/2017, 12:28) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    So you telling me that I have to walk in stilettos to show my support for women. Hmmmm, I dont support this find some other way if you want me to come out, but I do support our women and stand next to them.
    • Female (01/07/2017, 13:47) Like (4) Dislike (16) Reply
      @O-Rap, yes, if you really supported this cause, you would have put on those high heels and walk with us. You are to busy worrying that other men is going to call you names. If this was a walk for men of domestic abuse, and women were asked to wear men clothes for the cause, we would have done it.
      • @female (01/07/2017, 16:28) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply
        Stop It! We need to raise men to be men and this kind of thinking is what has us in this mess today, because women have adopted a dysfunctional mindset, and as a consequence, have been raising our male babies wrong. We don't need a bunch of sissies, today we need real stand-up men who knows how to respect women, and women who know how to respect men. Only then we can move forward. We all need to know our roles. Being independent, both man or woman, is an adopted farce. We all need each other; it's called- interdependence; it is the highest level of maturity.



        • tretretrete (02/07/2017, 07:15) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
          Tortola full of under cover brothers. So please stop acting like the shoes was the issue
      • Bad idea! (02/07/2017, 08:55) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
        Are you for real? Whoever can up with that idea is a fool! Most women can barely manage heels and you're asking men to? In addition, why would they need to look feminine to support women? Can't men be themselves and still stand in solidarity with us? Personally if my husband was interested in doing this I'd have raised an eyebrow or two at him! Pure foolishness if you ask me!!!
  • Street reporter (01/07/2017, 12:33) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    You already label as a bias one sided unit....Where is the message of respect and decency to women...Respect and decency to themselves. Their man, their family and the community. Where is that message,? Time for that message..
  • belonger (01/07/2017, 13:14) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    I'm a man, I don't like men who abuse women, but was this event publicized this is the first timeI'm hearing of it reading this publication. It's sad if men knew and didn't turn out.
  • just asking... (01/07/2017, 13:20) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    but I am seeing 2 men in the photos you saying they are Girls?
  • wize up (01/07/2017, 13:20) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    some women in little territory have 2 & 3 different man: when one of the men find out what is going on some of them can't take it.....talk that as well:
    • @wize up (01/07/2017, 14:57) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      ...........what is your point?
      • wize up (02/07/2017, 14:45) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
        @@ wize up...that's my point!!!! Let me share another fact with you and just for the record so you are free to quote me on this "Men have 10-fingers while wo-men have 11-fingers".....you keep your game tight and you will be alright
  • hold on (01/07/2017, 15:21) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hold on now. Before we start talking about how "disappointed" we are in the men for not showing up... did they even know about it? I am a woman and I only happened to stumble upon the flyer on Tuesday. I myself didn't even have enough notice to make it. Secondly... this is not something you can EXPECT heterosexual men to show up for with bells and whistles. They'll need to be persuaded and given options. Let them know they can walk with their own shoes, but them being there is most important. Have them sign up & pay a fee in advance (corporate registrations usually work best). Provide some incentives for walking in the heel versus men's shoes. I will not support any man bashing as far as this "stiletto walk" is concerned. Let's get real.
  • 0.0 (01/07/2017, 15:30) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    First of all, this should have been geared towards abuse on both sides..We think its a joke but guys get abused too...We know guys wore heels FIRST but why do they have to wear them to show support..Why not wear pink?.. I really think people need to make things simple..Just come on out wear pink or if not just come out guys ...That is all they needed to say...You people love to feminise men...I dont care if its just a few hours ...Them wearing heels won't make other men stop..They would probably see them as jokes..Make events geared at everyone stop making everything about females...Would they have a male walk too?.. I don't care what is prevalent because verbal abuse exist..This was not advertised properly either....Trying to down one sex for the other will not work..Appeal to the mind if you want the right action...I am waiting on the walk for men.
  • Flip flops (01/07/2017, 19:49) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who came up with this silly stupid idea to expect men to walk in high heel shoes?
    Walking in someone else's shoes is a figure of speech not to literally do so..they would have had to find a more creative way to symbolize this concept but I guess that was too much work to engage the brain in.
    Now they hot with the men for going to play poppy show with them.
    Water really more than flour in this place now.
  • Reader (01/07/2017, 22:08) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    As a female, I too don't see the good sense of having men walk in high heels as a means of support against domestic violence...As you can see from the comments, you will need to find a better methodology of doing this in the future...
  • Yes (01/07/2017, 22:43) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    They plan stupidness and surprised at the stupid results. Go figure! Everyone wants their 15 mins.
  • Just saying (02/07/2017, 08:49) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where was it advertised i did not see it on vino
  • Yaadie (02/07/2017, 11:25) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's disturbing to watch an sexist war disaster unfold so quietly.
  • mary j (02/07/2017, 13:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have worked in a male dominated sector for my entire working life. I have had better luck judging colleagues than husbands, but that is another story.
  • ta ta (02/07/2017, 13:12) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am a MALE who has always do my very best to treat everyone I interact with daily with dignity and respect at all times.
  • Mouse (02/07/2017, 22:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    very happy and cooperative we men are always falling on the wrong line up but what happen with u women u all still have on the angel dras come on speak for your self u women do no wrong


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