Rediscovering Exploration: Why We Should Embrace Women's Hiking Trails
Exploring the Hidden Hiking Trails of Women
As summer approaches, many adventurous souls are gearing up to hit the trails, exploring nature and embracing the outdoors. While hiking often draws inspiration from the escapades of male adventurers and leaders, there's a remarkable and often overlooked aspect of outdoor exploration: the trails dedicated to women. Brigitte Ars, an academic from the Academy for Tourism at Breda University of Applied Sciences, emphasizes the need to recognize and follow in the footsteps of the notable women in history through hiking trails designed specifically with them in mind.
A Walk in Their Shoes
In her groundbreaking book, "Het Wilde Vrouwenpad. Avontuurlijke Wandelingen" (The Wild Women's Trail. Adventurous Hikes), Ars introduces readers to various hiking paths linked to pioneering women. She personally traversed remarkable trails such as the Dorothy Wordsworth Walking Trail in England, the Brigid's Way in Ireland, the Astrid Lindgrenpad in Sweden, and the Via Matildica in Italy. Each trek not only connects to historical figures but also highlights the importance of remembering women’s contributions to society.
The Need for Diverse Trails
Historically, the narrative of hiking has predominantly showcased male conquerors and explorers, overshadowing the significant impact women have made in this arena. For centuries, hiking paths have celebrated the journeys of men—those who ventured into uncharted territories while women were often relegated to domestic roles. Ars points out that even philosophers like Rousseau believed that walking offered little benefit to women. This pervasive view that adventurous pursuits are better suited for men has persisted for far too long.
However, a shift is emerging, as more women are demanding not only their space in the wilderness but are creating trails that celebrate their journeys and resilience. The popularization of women's trails symbolizes empowerment and highlights female adventure narratives that need to be cherished and acknowledged.
Adversity and Adventure
Ars's research indicates that hiking not only allows women to bask in freedom but also significantly contributes to self-confidence and resilience. These traits are paramount, especially considering the extant societal pressure that continues to frame women's adventures and pursuits through a lens of skepticism.
In discussions with women about their plans for solo trekking, many express concerns: "What will my family think? Am I being selfish?" These outdated perceptions of women’s roles still loom large, often constraining their desire for adventure. Yet, Ars champions the idea that an adventurous spirit serves as a viable remedy for many mental health challenges, including anxiety and trauma.
The act of embarking on a journey—whether it's conquering a mountain or navigating a new trail—can act as a significant 'social prescription' that invigorates the soul and nurtures a sense of community among women. As these narratives of adventure shift to include more female figures, we witness a renaissance of empowerment, providing a balance to the historically male-dominated discourse of exploration.
Brigitte Ars and Her Mission
As a lecturer and researcher at Breda University, Brigitte Ars places a keen focus on advocating for women's rights in society. Through her research and writings, she contributes to the discourse on female empowerment, illustrating that adventurous pursuits not only enrich personal lives but also open pathways for women to claim their rightful place in the world. Additionally, she collaborates with Adventure Mind, a British organization dedicated to exploring the positive impacts of adventure on mental health.
In conclusion, as hiking season unfolds, let's make a conscious effort to explore the trails that women's footsteps have paved. By advocating for and engaging with women's hiking paths, we can ensure their stories are illuminated and celebrated, inspiring not just ourselves, but future generations to embrace adventure without boundaries. As we gear up for outdoor escapades, let’s tap into the spirit of adventurers like Brigitte Ars and embark on journeys that elevate women's voices in the great outdoors.