Breda University Encourages Women to Embrace Nature and Adventure

As summer dawns, many are stepping outside to seek adventure, especially hikers who often find themselves following in the footsteps of male pioneers. At Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas), research has revealed a noticeable lack of hiking trails dedicated to women, despite numerous paths honoring male explorers and philosophers. Brigitte Ars, a tourism expert at BUas, shines a light on these overlooked routes in her new book, "Het Wilde Vrouwenpad. Avontuurlijke Wandelingen" (The Path of Wild Women. Adventurous Hikes). In her exploration, Ars embarks on an adventure that traverses various historical paths of influential women, including the Dorothy Wordsworth Walking Trail in England, Brigid's Way in Ireland, the Astrid Lindgren Path in Sweden, and the Via Matildica in Italy. Throughout her journey, she uncovers the profound impact that adventurous hiking can have on women's resilience.

Ars points out that engaging in outdoor adventures fosters a sense of freedom and boosts self-confidence among women. Her previous research at BUas suggested that activities in nature can offer therapeutic benefits, helping to alleviate mental health issues such as anxiety and trauma. "It's crucial for women to challenge traditional norms around adventure; we must . . . unapologetically engage in exploration, regardless of societal expectations," she emphasizes.

Historically, the narrative around adventure has been dominated by male figures, often celebrated for their explorations while women were expected to manage family responsibilities. French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau commented that walking was suitable for contemplation but not for women, reinforcing stereotypes that persist today. Women, even in the realm of hiking, continue to face hurdles when seeking the freedom to wander alone. Ars notes that many women she interviews remain concerned about perceptions and the implications of their choices on their families.

Fortunately, increasing attention is being devoted to female hiking trails and solo adventures, helping to redefine what adventurous pursuits look like for women today. Ars advocates that these journeys not only empower individuals but also reflect a societal counter-narrative against the dominant themes of war, polarization, and inequality often perpetuated by patriarchal values.

Brigitte Ars is dedicated to using her research and publications to advocate for the significance of female empowerment within broader societal discussions. As an educator and researcher at BUas, she aims to show how adventurous living and solo expeditions can help women occupy stronger spaces in their communities and beyond. Additionally, she serves as an ambassador for Adventure Mind, a British organization investigating the positive effects of adventure on mental health. Through these efforts, Ars hopes to inspire more women to step into the wild, explore uncharted territories, and reshape the narrative around women's roles in adventure and exploration.

Topics People & Culture)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.