Be the change you wish to see
In my little blurb about why I am taking on the She SUPs Sydney challenge, I talk about using this expedition as “a vehicle for a change I wish to see in our society to impact women and girls today and in the future”.
But what does this mean and where did it come from?
Over the past few years, I have found that sometimes being a female adventurer (or simply a young woman who likes adventure sports) can seem to be tough work. I have experienced first hand, during physical adventure challenges, courses or experiences, my male counterparts taking one look at me and immediately questioning my ability and strength, all just because I’m a girl. I have found myself in a state of limbo and frustration when my anxiety around my personal safety ends up usurping my hopes of going on a hike alone, and yet I witness my male peers just head off into the wilderness alone on a weekly basis without a care in the world. Additionally, I have found myself dressing differently depending on who I’m doing an activity with. If going alone, my head tells me I shouldn’t wear tight yoga pants as I may attract unwanted attention, or if with a group of guys, I should avoid any clothing that seems ‘too feminine’ and will make me stand out in the group. These thoughts and behaviours have left me infuriated, angry and chewing the ear off of my poor boyfriend for hours on end (sorry Fidi!).
What’s interesting in all of these examples though is that there are no actual physical barriers here. Yes, I may receive some sexist comments questioning my strength but no one is saying ‘you can’t do this because you’re a woman’. So what’s stopping me (and according to a ton of research out there, many other women and girls)?
Many of these barriers are deeply-rooted discriminatory social norms and stereotypes that need to be challenged through actions in order to be changed. But of course, challenging them is hard work, and therefore change is slow.
I believe, the more women we see actively participating in outdoor adventure sports…
…the more other women and girls will follow.
…the safer it will feel knowing there are other females around and you won’t be that single female turning up.
…the more inspired teenage girls will feel to be more active and not be afraid of being called ‘butch’ or ‘masculine’ if they love sports.
…the number of degrading or patronising comments from our male counterparts will decrease as they get used to sharing the playing field.
…the less images we will see in the media of outdoor adventures being ‘a man’s world’.
So my goal of the She SUPs Sydney expedition (combined with the growing She SUPs Community) is to challenge these discriminatory social norms and stereotypes through my actions, and shout about it from the rooftops!!! The louder our voice, the more people this expedition can impact, the greater the chance we have of inspiring more women and young girls to get outside, pursue that activity or challenge they’ve wanted to try and be part of a societal change.
This expedition is about involving as many women and young girls as possible so that together we re-write social norms around women and outdoor adventure sports. I hope that in just a matter of years a 28-year-old woman won’t think twice about being a woman going out on an adventure, or joining an adventure sports group, she will just be another person heading out on an adventure, and those around her will treat her so.
BE PART OF THE ACTION
I really want this expedition to reach as many women and young girls as possible, but I need your help.
If you identify as female I would love YOU to join me on the expedition this September to make the expedition YOUR STORY TO TELL, spreading the message far and wide across the globe via your family, friends and colleagues. If you’re interested (and have a paddle board, kayak, boat or other water-based vessel) email me at vikki@shesups.com.au with the subject line of ‘PADDLE PARTNER’ and details of which Sydney waterway you’re near to or can get to easily.
If you want to join me but don’t have a water-based vessel to accompany me - join our She SUPs community HERE as I will be running a couple of paddles with hire/rental options during the expedition! Woo!
If you know of a Girl Guides unit, school group or other network of young women that would like to hear my story, learn more about the expedition and chat general girl-power-awesomeness, email me at vikki@shesups.com.au with the subject line of ‘ARRANGE A VISIT’ and details about your school group, Guides unit or other!
Ladies, let’s do this.
Vikki