Sisters with Blisters is an annual event that is aimed at raising much needed awareness on women and child abuse in this country. It falls in line with the International 16 days of Activism against women and child abuse which runs from 25 November – 10 December.

The 16 Days of Activism: No Violence Against Women is a United Nations campaign. It challenges perpetrators of these offences to change their behavior, making the nation aware of how this violence manifests itself within South African society and the negative impact on these vulnerable groups.
So, in order to participate in this movement – Jacaranda 94.2 wanted an event concept that would grab the attention of our listeners and make them aware of this plight - primarily also focusing on the vulnerable group of our society women and children ensuring that they also get the message that they need to stand up and step out of an abusive or violent environment, which is never easy – Jacaranda 94.2 needed to make them aware of the support and the NGO’s that are available to assist them.

The concept: SHOES!
What is a woman willing to do for new shoes? More than you’d imagine… ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ of Sex in the City once said she spent $40 000 on shoes and had no place to stay and would probably grow old living in her shoes! That is why Jacaranda 94.2 decided to use women’s irrational fetish for shoes for a good cause. We thought women who love shoes and are serious about preventing abuse against women and children would take the challenge of walking in their stilettos and speak up to break the silence, literally “heel to heal”

Jacaranda 94.2 knew that this message and event will definitely stir and raise certain eyebrows but it would be strong enough to make people stand up and participate – in looking for a partner, Jacaranda 94.2 only approached 1st for Women Insurance Brokers who were ideal based on the numerous campaigns they had embarked on in also raising awareness for this plight – the partnership was a natural fit.

For the past 3 years, Jacaranda 94.2 and 1st for Women together have staged the Sisters with Blisters walk in November, starting with over 600 participants in 2006 to over 2500 participants in 2008. Men and boys are also encouraged to take part in the walk – they don’t have to wear stilettos, flat shoes are also welcomed, it is the interaction with the people and the messages one gets from various speakers / survivors of the crimes and to also be aware of what is being done by the NGO’s to help those that are most vulnerable in our Country.

Sisters with Blisters walk 2009 is taking place at the Campus, Bryanston – 28 November 2009