We have run women’s only courses and events for over 25 years. The conversation has evolved, so we ask ourselves is it still ‘relevant’ to continue to run women’s only courses?
The outdoor industry historically has been heavily dominated by and tailored for men, thankfully, this is now changing, slowly, however women are still the minority. So we ask ourselves what are the main barriers?
Psychological –
Women tend to have different motivations, they are less competitive than men and generally thrive in a supportive environment. Research suggests that when it comes to personal development, men and women need a different approach (Ruth Sacks, University of Westminster). When participating in a mixed group some women say they feel under pressure to perform, to not display emotion and can often be reticent to ask questions or take the lead in a male dominated environment.
Physiological –
The physiological needs of women are different. Some women can be embarrassed with basics such as going to the toilet. Many tend to ‘hold on’, so as to avoid undressing to relieve themselves. Menstruation can also be embarrassing and making allowances for this can be difficult to discuss among men. Menopause and the symptoms associated with this such as hot sweats, forgetfulness and clumsiness, can be another cause of embarrassment, misunderstanding and are difficult to express in a mixed group.
I have been lucky enough throughout my years playing and working in the mountains of being surrounded by some great male climbers and mountaineers who have been incredibly supportive and encouraging. I have had so many positive experiences, however, of course there have been some negative ones too. I grew up living a very outdoor life, so I have always been comfortable sleeping, eating and peeing in the open air! However when I started to train and work in the industry I did come across barriers. Some of these limitations I put on myself, for example; I was so used to being surrounded by incredibly experienced and talented mountaineering males that I tended to defer to them, often putting aside my own opinions and ambitions. I have experienced outright sexism, for example, when my children were young I often came across negativity and hostility because I was a mother who participated in adventurous sports, a hostility my husband never encountered. When training I regularly experienced men (other students on the same course) trying to teach or explain things to me, assuming I didn’t have as much strength or experience as them. Incredibly a few times when I have been instructing, I have had male students trying to explain an element of the course. These situations have been difficult to deal with, sometimes humiliating, often frustrating and ultimately, at times, has affected my learning or teaching. These days, with experience, if these situations arise I deal with them quickly, assertively and quietly.
Over 25 years of experience and I have noticed many changes for the better, I don’t want to become part of the rhetoric that victimises women or use divisive language and behaviour, however women are still under-represented in the UK’s national mountain leadership qualifications. In 2017, Mountain Training reported that only 19% of those completing national mountaineering qualifications were women (personal communication, March 23, 2017). This means less competent female instructors and guides.
So what does the mountaineering industry say about women only courses?
At the Women in Adventure Sports Conference at Glenmore Lodge in 2016, leading mountaineers, of both genders, identified and debated women’s poor levels of engagement in mountaineering. They recommended a move towards ‘women-specific’ rather than ‘women-only’ coaching and training programmes because they believed a women-only approach was divisive. However the conference did not define what ‘women-specific’ meant or how to deliver this.
So what now?
I personally believe in the sexes working and training together, we are all different and can learn from each other, this way we can create inclusivity and understanding rather than divisiveness and ensure equity for women. However, how do we address the gap between where we are now and where we should be? For me, nothing is more empowering than learning outdoor skills and being in control of yourself and your own environment. Being able to pick up a map and compass, plot a route and execute an incredible mountain day without a dependence on anyone or anything still gives me such a sense of achievement. For now, I will continue to provide a handful of women’s only courses to help those who feel more comfortable and supported in this type of environment, removing any possible barriers to participation. I hope that these courses will help to redress this imbalance and empower and motivate more women into the hills, becoming self-sufficient and confident.
Click here to see our women’s only courses or contact us now if you would like us to put on a bespoke course for you and your group.
Further reading: this fantastic study by Dr Jenny Hall & Dr Adele Doran, Women in Mountaineering, was carried out in 2020. The aim of this report is to provide an insight into the current experiences of women in climbing and mountaineering in the UK. It details many issues briefly discussed here and well worth a read.
