Women in the Outdoors Week
Last week, I traveled to NYC to be a part of Discover Outdoors’ Women in the Outdoors week, a week-long event celebrating the women in the outdoor community. It was beyond an honor to have had a chance to be on a panel discussion with some of the most inspiring women in today’s industry. The panel spoke to Femininity in the Outdoors.
What challenges have you come up against by being a woman in your profession? What can we do as a community to combat these challenges?
I’ve had support from both men and women both professionally and in climbing. However, I think one of the biggest challenges about being a woman can often come from other women. There can be a subtle sense of competition within genders, which often is left out of the discussion. “Internalized sexism” happens when a woman believes herself to be inferior or treats other women as if their worth is based on their sexual attractiveness. A quote I once heard that resonated deeply with me: "girls compete; women empower one another." When we have enough confidence in ourselves, we stop viewing other women as the "opponent". It’s when we feel empowered ourselves that we can genuinely empower others.
What do you think prohibits women participate in outdoor activities?
”I could never do that" or "I'm not strong enough yet" are things that prohibit a lot of women from participating in outdoor activities. Those thoughts don’t necessarily go away, even when you are in top physical shape—even when you're the best. So don't learn how to ignore those thoughts or just turn them off. Learn how to challenge them and treat yourself with more self-compassion when you’re trying something new.
How do women relate to one another in the outdoors?
We all have insecurities. I don't try to hide mine because they're very real and it’s validating to acknowledge your fears and doubts. It does a secondary sneaky thing where it can empower you to challenge them by owning them. Also, fears and doubts are incredibly relatable. Admitting that I was scared on a pitch of a climb allows space for other women to reflect on if and why they also felt similarly and fosters connection.
Women have historically been excluded from the “Outdoors” narrative, as the narrative was traditionally one of male conquest, dominance, and assertion of masculinity. How has this landscape changed from your perspective, and where is it headed?
How do women redefine what a relationship with the outdoors looks like?
There was a time when women were looked upon in the outdoors as the weaker gender, like we need more tending to. But a whole new generation of women accomplishing great things has completely taken that image and shattered it. Acknowledging things like gender barriers gives us autonomy to reach beyond them, which I think is ultimately going to be badass for the history of women in the outdoors. I'd personally love to see the first all-female ascent team of the Dawn Wall on the news in the next decade, maybe less. Because the thing about trying something that seemed impossible at one point is that when other women see it, they can be inspired to try it, too. Instead of telling ourselves that we could never do that, we start thinking, "Maybe I can do that, too."