Gabriela Network of the Mariposa Alliance Honors Women Defenders in its Sixth Annual Show

Seeing a huge influx of Pilipino/a-Americans enter Eagle Rock Plaza-- a shopping mall that has become a hub for the surrounding Pilipino community-- wouldn't make any local bat an eye. But on Sunday, March 14th, Gabriela Network Los Angeles of the Mariposa Alliance hosted "A Mile in Her Shoes: Honoring Women Defenders", a political art and fashion show that has been held annually now for six years. With a stage and runway set up in the Center Court, women from different organizations paid homage to other women who fought to protect women's and human rights. The event aimed to shed light on the current issues that women and children of the community still face today.

The audience was treated to an opening performance by the internationally-renowned DJ Kuttin Kandi and the Heart, along with cultural dance and music by Kamalayan Kollective of San Diego. Then, walking down the purple carpet, each woman sported various footwear from high heels to slip-ons and sneakers. Each piece was thoughtfully decorated by a different participating organization to symbolize the difficult journey of a shero being honored for her bravery-- despite political and social opposition. Some participating groups included Khmer Girls in Action, ANSWER Los Angeles, Communities for a Better Environment, Kappa Psi Epsilon and Kabataang maka-Bayan. People who came specifically for the event crowded around Center Court, but locals from the community also stopped to see what was going.

Abigail Faelnar, a UCLA student and member of Samahang Pilipino, said about her reason for attending, "I'm in a Gender and Sexuality class right now, so I've been really interested in gender issues... and what women have to go through, especially women of color."

After the fashion show, Pilipino emcee Bambu nvited the audience to fill up the area around the stage. Young and old alike enjoyed the performer's conscious music, some clearly loyal fans and others newly-minted ones. After the last beat, people moved to the top level to mingle and participate in a silent auction for all the pieces.

Jolene Levid, Secretary General of Gabriela Network nationwide explained the impact of the event. "Art is a really important tool for education affecting the community," she said. "It is effective for the community, especially the youth, and gives an outlet for women to represent themselves."

She also said this year's move to a public place-- usually the show is held at small art studios-- was key to "bringing the issues to bigger audiences and move it to another Pilipino/a community in Los Angeles."