It’s not about right or wrong, it’s about freedom and choice

Women in Japan have started a petition that grants them the freedom to decide whether or not they want to wear high heels in the workplace— a direct protest of the requirement to wear them at work. The #KuToo movement, which is a play on the universal #MeToo movement, is a protest on women’s rights. Kutsu directly translates to shoes and kutsuu translates to pain. Coincidence? I think not.

The initiative was started by Yumi Ishikawa, a Japanese actor and writer. Her movement took the internet world by storm and has influenced many women to speak up about injustice. In Japan, wearing high heels is mandatory during job interviews and the absence of them would definitely affect your chances of getting hired. Because wearing heels directly correlates with a person’s expertise and skills. With every woman, cue the collective palm to the face.

Ishikawa’s movement is the first step in the right direction and universal support definitely helps the cause. Men have begun showing their support by jamming their feet into high heels and walking around during an event in Tokyo. The pained look on their faces brought insight towards people who oppose the movement. Why should women be forced to suffer through this while the men get to work comfortably?