MPs from Burlington, Oakville, Milton bring walk against gender violence to Ottawa

The fight against gender-based violence was given a boost by three Halton Members of Parliament who teamed up to host an all-party awareness walk.

Karina Gould (Burlington), Pam Damoff (Oakville North-Burlington) and Adam van Koeverden (Milton), hosted an all-party Hope in High Heels walk on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to raise awareness about the impact men and boys have in the fight against gender-based violence.

Hope in High Heels is an annual walk organized by the Halton Women’s Place as an avenue for men and boys to show support for women experiencing domestic violence by wearing hot pink heels.

“I am excited to welcome back the Halton Women’s Place to Parliament Hill for the fourth Hope in High Heels on the Hill,” said Gould.

“It has been several years since we have been able to gather and raise awareness on this critical issue that impacts all Canadians. It is important we take the time to educate and engage men on these issues and their role in ending violence against women. While our government has taken action to address gender-based violence across the country, we know that there is more work to be done. Starting the conversation around gender-based violence is not easy, but is essential to continue forward on the path towards ending gender-based violence across the country.”

Halton Women’s Place is an organization that offers shelter and support to women and children in crisis. Hope in High Heels has been organized in Halton for the past 13 years to help raise funds for these services, and to raise awareness of this ongoing issue.

This year, Halton Women’s Place will be hosting 2 Hope in High Heels events in Burlington and Milton in September 2023.

“I am excited to see the success of Hope in High Heels and the momentum it has gained over the years,” said Laurie Hepburn executive director of Halton Women’s Place.

By replicating this event in Ottawa, all Members of Parliament and their staff are encouraged to demonstrate to all of Canada that they are united in this fight to combat gender-based violence. This important initiative seeks to inspire Canadians to take a walk in her shoes and start the conversation around progressing forward and working towards gender equality.

“Halton Women’s Place is an essential service organization in Halton region that offers shelter and crisis services for women facing abuse. The Halton Women’s Place annual Hope in High Heels event is a reminder that we must all walk together to end sexual and gender-based violence,” said van Koeverden.