Why I Walk: Darius Diongco

Tell us a bit about yourself:
My name is Darius Diongco and I have participated in Walk A Mile In Her Shoes for 4 years. This will be my fifth year.

Why is gender-based violence and violence against women an important issue for you to take action on?
To me this cause is very important because growing up as a child, I lived in a household full of women. My Dad left for Canada when I was 2 so up until I was 9, I lived with my brother, my mom, my aunts and female cousins. I learned at an early age the value and worth of a woman.  I am also very close to my mother. She’s my inspiration and my home base. To know that violence against women is not just an issue within our community but also a greater issue worldwide is something that should be acknowledged. There are women who still suffer in silence so it’s imperative we raise awareness regarding this issue.

How did you first get involved in Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Toronto?
I first saw this event in the news and at first, I thought it was pretty cool that men were getting out of their comfort zone to wear heels in support of women. But the more I learned about White Ribbon and the organizations they work with to support women, I knew I wanted to be part of something important and worthwhile.

Why is Walk a Mile in Her Shoes important to you?
It’s important because although it is a fun event, it provides awareness in our community to talk about a difficult issue. I hope to be a role model for other men – including my colleagues, friends and family.

Any final thoughts?
I encourage everyone, men especially, to get out of your comfort zone and get involved in such a worthy cause.  Also, a huge thank you to my friends and family for their overwhelming support and to my colleague Maria who let me borrow her heels.

Darius is participating in White Ribbon’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, presented by DSW Canada, The Shoe Company and Shoe Warehouse, taking place on Wednesday May 29, 2019 at 11:45am, David Pecaut Square, 215 King Street West, in Toronto. Donate to Darius’ participation at: whiteribbon.akaraisin.com/wamihs2019/dariusdiongco
Visit www.walkamiletoronto.ca to register, participate, and or donate.  Thank you for your support of White Ribbon’s work to engage men and boys in promoting healthy masculinities and ending gender-based violence.  

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