Hiked a mountain to observe International Women's Day, encountered condescending male explanations at the peak.
Taking on the peaks isn't just about gearing up - it's about standing your ground when facing mansplaining encounters.
This International Women's Day, I joined a group of fierce trail runners led by Girls On Hills, a trail-blazing company dedicated to empowering women to conquer the mountains. Their mission is to help women become self-reliant in the great outdoors through running, hiking, and skills courses.
The day's adventure across two Munros in Scotland showcased the impressive experience and skills of our group. One member had completed the grueling Marathon des Sables, a 250k dash across the Moroccan desert; another set the women's solo unsupported Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 96-mile West Highland Way. Several women had bagged all 282 Munros. It truly was a testament to their indomitable spirit and determination.
But our day wasn't without its challenges. As we prepared to tackle some steep terrain, a man approached us, offering tips and warnings we didn't ask for. The moment left us feeling gobsmacked, outraged, and reflecting on the prevalence of mansplaining in the mountains.
Why is there so much mansplaining in the outdoors?
According to psychotherapist Claire Law, it's because women are still forced to deal with unwarranted advice and talks down even in places meant to provide a escape. For instance, Serena Broadway, an ultra runner, was running with a friend on her usual trails around Edinburgh. A man they encountered at a path intersection felt the need to warn her about the steep paths ahead - advice that she found both unnecessary and disheartening.
Research suggests that men are more likely to overestimate their own competence, even when they have less knowledge than the women they're speaking to. Women, on the other hand, are socialized to be cautious about displaying authority. This dynamic can lead to men offering unsolicited advice or explaining the obvious, even to experienced athletes.
This troubling pattern continues to evolve as more women excel in competitive fields like ultra running. Some men react by trying to reassert control, positioning themselves as the knowledgeable ones despite the lack of necessity.
To change the landscape, we must work towards cultural shifts at a wide scale, heightening our awareness of gender biases, and fostering spaces that recognize skill and experience over gender.
As every woman I spoke to emphasized, beginning every conversation by assuming competence and respecting a woman's right to be in the hills is crucial.
But how should women respond to these unwanted interactions? The answer is up to you:- Quick and Firm Response: A simple "I'm good, thanks" or a nod before moving on can indicate that advice isn't needed.- Flip the Dynamic: Factual corrections and sharing accomplishments can challenge assumptions about the adviser's superiority.- Direct Approach: A more direct approach, like speeding ahead to pass the adviser on the descent, can send a clear message.
Ultimately, staying focused on the task at hand - the run, the hike, the climb, the freedom of the outdoors - is essential. The mountains are for everyone, but if a portion of the hiking community continues to assume that women are not capable, it risks discouraging women from participating at all - a loss for all of us.
To support this mission, consider donating to or volunteering with organizations like Girls On Hills, which help remove barriers for women seeking adventure in the outdoors. Remember, a simple "hello" goes a long way - let's make the trails a welcoming space for all.
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- The trail-blazing company, Girls On Hills, is dedicated to empowering women in science, providing opportunities for self-reliance in the great outdoors through running, hiking, and skills courses.
- In the world of health-and-wellness, ultra runner Serena Broadway’s usual trails around Edinburgh were dominated by mansplaining, with a man feeling the need to warn her about the steep paths ahead.
- Mental-health professionals suggest that men are more likely to overestimate their own competence, even in fields like lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth, leading to the prevalence of mansplaining.
- A simple, quick, and firm response such as "I'm good, thanks" or a nod before moving on can signal that unsolicited advice isn't needed when encountering mansplaining.
- In the fast-paced world of career-development, with competition in sports like football, golf, sports-betting, basketball, racing, and mixed-martial-arts, women's achievements in these fields often face mansplaining, impeding their progress.
- Women's health, particularly in sports, requires fostering spaces that recognize skill and experience over gender, promoting equal opportunities and respect for all athletes.
- When tackling the slopes of women's health and lifestyle, organizations like Girls On Hills play a crucial role in removing barriers for women seeking adventure in the outdoors.
- The freedom of the outdoors is open to everyone, but the continued presence of mansplaining in these spaces risks discouraging women from participating, leading to a loss for the entire community in all fields - science, health-and-wellness, mental-health, women's health, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, education-and-self-development, personal-growth, career-development, sports, and sports-betting.
