High heels are being worn to make a point by an Exeter-based charity championing schoolgirls in South Africa and their access to period products.
The Ubuntu Wildlife Trust in November launched #WalkingInHerShoes, championing 448 girls at Mjindi High School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in a bid to improve their access to menstrual products, education and support, while challenging the stigma surrounding monthly periods.
The charity, based in Exeter, is challenging people to walk 448 steps in high heels in support of the girls’ futures.
To kick-start the campaign the charity’s supporters went into Exeter city centre wearing high heels.
The Ubuntu Wildlife Trust, pictured here in Exeter city centre, launched #WalkingInHerShoes, championing 448 girls at Mjindi High School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in a bid to improve their access to menstrual products.
Photo: The Ubuntu Wildlife Trust.
Martyn Randall, Ubuntu Wildlife Trust chairman, said: “We’re doing something a little different to get people talking. We’re asking people to walk 448 steps in high heels or any shoes really, representing each of the girls we’re supporting.
“It’s deliberately a little unusual, and hopefully entertaining, but behind it is a very serious message about dignity, education and opportunity for young girls.”
The charity, backed by Natracare, from January 2027 will supply free sanitary pads to girls at the school, and hopes to roll-out more help in the future.
Mr Randall said: “Although we’re a wildlife conservation charity, we’ve always believed that protecting wildlife and supporting the communities living alongside it go hand in hand. This campaign is another example of that commitment.
“Our initial programme begins in January 2027 where we will be supplying free menstrual pads to the girls in the school, and we hope this will be the beginning of something much bigger.”
The charity hopes businesses, schools, sports clubs and individuals will back the WalkingInHerShoes cause, talking openly about menstrual health. And donations or sponsorship will help the charity continue campaigning for the girls’ period dignity.
The charity, based in Exeter, is challenging people to walk 448 steps in high heels in support of the girls’ futures.
Photo: The Ubuntu Wildlife Trust.
This month Ubuntu Wildlife Trust UK will take the campaign to South Africa, where the charity will be joined in wearing high heels by wildlife conservation workers, anti-poaching teams, footballers, and rugby players.
To kick-start the campaign the charity’s supporters went into Exeter city centre wearing high heels.
Photo: The Ubuntu Wildlife Trust.
Mr Randall said: “They will wear high heels and walk 448 steps. One step for every girl at Mjjindi High School. The challenge is designed to be noticed. It may generate laughter, but more importantly it should prompt questions, respectful conversations and greater understanding of menstrual health, particularly among men and boys.
“Walking in high heels is a symbolic act of solidarity; it is not an attempt to recreate or claim to understand the girls’ lived experiences. We want to use the attention it generates to listen, learn and encourage others to take the subject seriously.”
The Ubuntu Wildlife Trust supporters in front of Exeter Cathedral at the #WalkingInHerShoes launch..
Photo: The Ubuntu Wildlife Trust.
He added: “Our ambition is to combine access to appropriate menstrual products with education for girls and boys, open discussion, and locally informed support.
“Education matters because stigma is not overcome by product distribution alone. Boys, men, families, educators and community leaders all have a part to play in creating an environment where menstrual health can be discussed respectfully. “
The Ubuntu Wildlife Trust haslaunched #WalkingInHerShoes, a campaign for girls’ period dignity in South Africa.
Photo: The Ubuntu Wildlife Trust.
Find out more about the charity’s #WalkingInHerShoes campaign here.
