UNF Hosts ‘Walk in a Woman’s Shoes’ and ‘Take Back the Night’ March/Candlelight Vigil

The University of North Florida’s Women’s Center will host a day of annual events in solidarity of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. These events aim to unite the community to take a stand against interpersonal violence/abuse and to honor and remember those who have survived as well as those who lost their lives.
The “Walk in a Woman’s Shoes” event will take place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, on the UNF Green, in front of the Fine Arts Center, Building 45. An awareness fair will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Osprey Plaza in front of the Student Union, Building 58. The “Take Back the Night” march will begin 7:30 p.m. at Osprey Crossings Courtyard (Buildings Q-S) and move to Osprey Plaza.
“These events initiates a conversation about a topic that often goes undiscussed,” said Brandi Winfrey, Women’s Center coordinator. “We want the community to become comfortable discussing sexual assault and interpersonal violence.”
The “Walk in a Woman’s Shoes” event will focus on figuratively walking in the shoes of a sexual assault survivor. Various exhibits will be setup, including a “Sole Survivors’” tent, which will display men, women and children’s shoes with sexual assault facts for each population. Additionally, there will be a “Clothesline Project” to decorate shirts that serve as a physical representation to honor or remember those who have been affected by sexual violence. Teal ribbons, T-shirts and light snacks will be provided.
Members of the University community will lead the “Take Back the Night” march, representing the solidarity of women and men who aren’t afraid to stand up and speak out against violence. The candlelight vigil as well as survivor speak-out will conclude the event in Osprey Plaza by honoring victims and survivors of intimate partner violence.
“Take Back the Night” events have been held by colleges and communities around the globe for more than 40 years and provide an opportunity for women to break the silence of abuse and victimization, bringing people together to stand in unity against interpersonal violence in their communities.
These events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the UNF Women’s Center at (904) 620-2528 or at womenctr@unf.edu.
UNF, a nationally ranked university located on an environmentally beautiful campus, offers students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others the opportunity to build their own futures through a well-rounded education.