Red Shoes Raise Awareness of Hundreds of Missing Women in Juarez Keagan Harsha - KTSM.com
go to original July 28, 2012

Red women's shoes are on display outside Mexico's consulate in El Paso in the U.S. July 27, 2012. Dozens of red shoes were put on display by visual artist Elina Chauvet in honor of the hundreds of women and girls who were killed in Ciudad Juarez. Long associated with crime and corrupt police, Ciudad Juarez has seen the murders of hundreds of women and girls since 1993. Despite international pressure to solve the murders, including support from writers, singers and Amnesty International, most cases remain mysteries. (Reuters/Jose Luis Gonzalez)

EL PASO — An unusual sight sure had people talking outside the Mexican consulate Friday. Hundreds of red shoes dotted the consulate grounds. They were placed there by a woman named Elina Chauvet.

The Juarez native is traveling to cities throughout Mexico and the United States trying to draw attention to the hundreds of women who have been brutally murdered in Juarez over the past two decades.

"I want to portray the hurt the Mexican families have suffered and I want to make a statement. The red shoes are something that attracts people, something you can relate to," said Chauvet through her translator Cintia Aguirre.

Chauvet started her artistic demonstrations with just 33 shoes. Volunteers have since donated almost 300 pairs to help her spread her message.

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!