On their heels for abused women
2006-11-25 14:49
Johannesburg - About 1 000 women and a few men teetered through a Johannesburg suburb in stilettos on Saturday, in a demonstration symbolising the pain of battered women and children.
The 3km "Sisters with Blisters" walk was to draw attention to the plight of victims of violence, partly blamed on macho attitudes, poverty and a violent society.
There were about 55 000 cases of rape reported to police last year and many more victims did not notify the authorities.
"It is a little bit of pain to gain some awareness," said Lulu Ndevu, of radio station and sponsor Jacaranda.
A few marchers paused briefly to shake their feet or wrap band-aids around bloody toes.
They were treated to foot massages and spa vouchers at the finish line.
The grand prize was a R95 000 shoe-shopping spree to New York City.
"It's abusing yourself for women who suffer, except this is self-inflicted," said Albert Lotter, 25, hunched and hobbling in size-10 turquoise pumps.
The United Nations committee against torture expressed concern this week at "widespread" acts of violence particularly rape and domestic violence, against women and children.
Health activists say violence against females also fuels the Aids pandemic. About 5.5 million are infected in the country.
- Reuters