
In my experience doing outdoor activities, typically one thing stands out: there are a lot more men doing the same activities as me. It's probably because I grew up in western Pennsylvania which isn't exactly known for its mountains, skiing, or rock climbing. The sports in my high school were ones like football, wrestling, volleyball, track, and cross country, and I didn't know anyone that went backpacking, skiing, or bike touring/packing. Now that I've taken up more outdoor adventure hobbies, the difference is a bit more apparent. I typically don't mind it since mostly everyone I’ve met has been wonderful, but it has made my transition into the outdoors more difficult in that it's been hard to convince my family that I will be okay. Maybe it's different for those people who grew up in a geographic location where recreating outdoors is a lifestyle no matter who you are or how you identify, but even still, it wasn't always that way.
Like most gender identity-related things, it is rooted in historical and societal norms, and I wanted to do a little background digging to understand the context some more.
It’s not news that, traditionally, women were discouraged from participating in sports and outdoor activities [1]. In the 19th century, middle- and upper-class women were supposed to be “pious, pure, domestic, and submissive” in order to be a “true woman” [2], which clearly did not age well. This was termed the culture of domesticity, and, ultimately, the proper place for a woman was in the home, being a good wife and mother. Women's appearances held more value than their athletic abilities [3], and there was the notion that the woman’s body was overall less capable than the man’s body [3, 4]. Women were seen as too frail and mentally ill to leave the home. This impacted how women were viewed, what careers (if any) were appropriate for women to have, and how effective and apt women were compared to men. The suffrage movement was an essential step to giving women some power back; however, gender norms were still rooted in society (i.e. classic 50s TV shows showing hardworking husbands and stay-at-home wives) and can still be seen today.
While it may come down to individual preference, exposure (or lack thereof) to the outdoors starts young, and while the outdoor gender gap is smaller than it used to be, it is still present. An article explains that preschool-aged girls were 16% less likely to be taken outdoors by their parents compared to their male counterparts, and in general, boys were more likely to be outside than females. When it comes to getting older, women involvement in the outdoors decreased after age 26, and this is likely due to the shift in having a family. It's well known that women are more likely to sacrifice their careers for their family, and the gender wealth gap doesn't help.
Importantly, women are also fearful of sexual assault and violence, and this can make women afraid of being in the outdoors, especially alone. Women were found to constantly monitor their surroundings for signs of danger, opting to go out in groups or with men for safety and comfort. They also modified their clothes and changed their activities to avoid danger [5]. Women reported being less comfortable, safe, and in control when recreating alone outdoors [1]. While threats of danger do exist and should be avoided, equipping women with the knowledge, experience, and tools to feel confident and safe in the outdoors in many different situations is vital.
In my personal experience, my brothers never received the same pushback regarding their outdoor adventures. To them, it was always "protect yourself from bears!" and to me it was "You are not going! You will be kidnapped and raped!", even if I was just going to a local park. When planning my bike trip across the U.S., my mentor stated that my boyfriend going with me for the first week would be "able to protect me". Is this unequal treatment valid? Well, maybe? It depends on where I am going and the general level of risk for anyone to travel alone. Should I not live my life for fear that something could happen? Hell no.
The Importance of Getting Women Outside
First, any lingering expectations that women should be strictly domestic or submissive or that women are less capable than men are repulsive and should be dismissed. If nothing else, women should feel empowered to do the things that only men were once "allowed" to do. Get out there, represent, and prove them wrong!
Second, the more women that go outdoors, the more inclusive the space will feel for others who are nervous and hesitant. It will show that not only men can do these outdoor adventures. Also, there is something reassuring about seeing other females because, well, being the only female can be intimidating. When hiking the Long Trail, it felt awesome to pass other female solo-hikers (though it happened infrequently), sharing a nod or smile in solidarity. Many times, however, I was the only female in camp with men. So, please, more women!
Third, being outside has numerous beneficial effects on mental and physical health, such as stress reduction, happiness improvement, and opportunities for fitness. The outdoors should not be a terrifying place, and all individuals, especially women, should feel like they can seek the benefits of the wilderness without repercussions.
Getting Outdoors
Get Inspired. Watch youtube videos of women hikers, climbers, skiers, etc. Follow them on social media. Get inspired and influenced to get out there, too. Solomon TV and Patagonia have a lot of inspiring videos, many which feature women.
Do your research. Where are places around you that you can visit? Any local or state parks? There are a lot of public lands that you can access. Check them out.
Start local. Alltrails.com is a great resource for discovering trails near you to help you make the first step. When you find a place, visit it often. It will turn into home.
Go with friends. If you are nervous to go out alone, invite friends for a hike, or any outdoor activity. Sometimes you will meet new people when you are out, too! Ask around on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Meetup, etc, and reach out to friends, coworkers, and family for other potential contacts. Research local clubs or organizations to learn about events and to get in touch with new people. If you put yourself out there, chances are someone will want to go outside with you.
Be prepared. Don't be a noob and put yourself in a precarious situation. Have enough food and water, take a headlamp, alert other people of where you are going.
Have fun! That's it.
How to Be Safe in the Outdoors
1. Plan ahead. Know where you are going, how long you will be out, and what the weather will be. You want to be prepared with food, water, shelter, flashlight, clothing layers etc.
2. Tell friends and family where you are going. In the chance that something happens and you don't have service, someone will know how to find you, whether it's a flat tire, broken foot, or rain storm. Carrying a tracking and SOS device (like a GPS Spot) can be reassuring.
3. Trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right, then it's probably not. Leave and go somewhere else.
4. Lie. If someone wants to know if you are alone, say that you are with friends or that you are meeting up with your partner shortly. They don't need to know you are by yourself.
5. Go with a dog. It can be reassuring to have a companion animal with you, and it might deter other animals or people from messing with you.
6. Going in groups. Groups can feel protective, and they are fun! Invite some buddies out on your adventure with you.
7. Carry something protective. Pepper spray, bear spray, pocket knife, alarm. These can all help protect against wild animals or aggressive people.
Organizations that are supporting diversity and women in the outdoors:
Are there any organizations or women that have inspired you? What are other ways to make the outdoors more inclusive for women? Let me know!
References
1. Wesely, J.K.; Gaarder, E. The Gendered “Nature” of the Urban Outdoors: Women Negotiating Fear of Violence. Gend. Soc. 2004, 18, 645–663.
2. Welter, B. The Cult of True Womanhood: 1820-1860. Am. Q. 18.
3. Young, I. Throwing Like a Girl: A Phenomenology of Feminine Body Comportment Motility and Spatiality*. Hum. Stud. 1980, 3, 137–156.
4. Crawley, S.L. “They Still Don’t Understand Why I Hate Wearing Dresses!” An Autoethnographic Rant on Dresses, Boats, and Butchness. Cult. Stud. ↔ Crit. Methodol. 2002, 2, 69–92, doi:10.1177/153270860200200110.
5.Hollander, J.A. Vulnerability and Dangerousness: The Construction of Gender through Conversation about Violence. Gend. Soc. 2001, 15, 83–109.
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