In honour of the victims and supporting survivors of gender-based violence, the aim of The Red Shoes Project is to encourage Barbadians to stand in solidarity and take action for 16 days, starting from November 25 to December 10.
Last Friday, the project was launched with the collective painting of shoes by representatives of all partners along with the Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey as well as volunteers at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus (UWI).
The project seeks to acknowledge that violence against women is a pervasive global issue that disrupts the lives of countless women and girls and places a heavy burden on communities.
Mexican artist, Elina Chauvet emphasised that change can only happen when people stop dismissing gender-based violence as someone else’s private problem.”
As part of the display, the red-painted shoes will represent females lost to femicide and other forms of violence.
Each empty pair of shoes will symbolise a life cut short, a voice silenced and a future taken away. In addition, the shoes will also represent love and unity, a testament to the strength and resilience of women who continue to fight for their lives and rights.
The exhibit of the project can be found at 11 locations across Barbados including the European Union Delegation, Ministry of People Empowerment, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, The Barbados Community College, Barbados Museum and Historical Society, The Embassy of Argentina, The British High Commission, The High Commission of Canada, The US Embassy in Bridgetown, UN Women and The IDB Country Office.
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