Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure – What Is It, and Why Does It Matter? — The AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation

by Sunny Stroeer, Executive Director of the Summit Scholarship and Alliance for Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure

Gender equity in outdoor adventure isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s something that benefits everyone, including men. Inclusive and equitable outdoor spaces create better outcomes for men and women alike; in the outdoors, yes, but also in daily life (including, for what it’s worth, lower mortality rates for both men and women – read on to find out more). Diverse perspectives drive better problem-solving, enrich group dynamics, and create safer, more collaborative environments.

But right now, there’s a gap. Women face barriers that prevent them from participating fully in outdoor adventure, achieving recognition, or feeling like they truly belong. These inequities don’t just limit individual potential—they hold back the entire outdoor community from reaching its best, and entrench systemic bias in the mountains as well as in every-day life. 

This article dives into why gender equity matters, why it’s an issue in outdoor spaces, and how addressing it can create a more vibrant and inclusive adventure culture. Whether you’re a weekend hiker, a seasoned mountaineer, or a sophisticated urbanite: the benefits of equity ripple out to everyone. 

What The Heck is Gender Equity In Outdoor Adventure? 

In November 2024, I shared a fundraiser for gender equity in outdoor adventure in a thruhiking-focused Facebook group. The catalyst for all this was that I had planned an attempt to speed hike the 800 mile Arizona Trail over the course of three weeks, and was attaching a fundraising campaign to this adventure.  The funds raised were to create mountaineering and backcountry scholarships that would benefit women, girls, and gender-diverse adventurers, helping to advance gender equity in the mountains and beyond. 

I did not expect a tremendous response – mostly neutral disinterest, maybe a few well wishes, and a couple folks asking where they could follow my record attempt. 

Instead, these were the first, and immediate, comments – from men – that anchored the conversation about my post: 

“What the heck is gender equity?”

“I think it could be segregated outhouses.” 

“Oh I know, the term ‘cathole’ implying feline female.”

And, to top it all of: 

“Gender equity in the outdoors” translates to “we hate men so let’s do anything we can to be men.” Keep your stupid gender politics off the trail. You sound like an unhinged lunatic.  Try being a PERSON and enjoy your life.”

The author of the final comment later went on to say: “(….) the cause is puerile and idiotic.  Name me ONE instance of ANY man ostracizing women from outdoor spaces.  Who is stopping women from doing ANYTHING in today’s society? (…) Why don’t you raise money for something real, such as breast cancer research? This is what a brain on feminism is: fried.”

The ensuing comment war did several things: it drew a lot of attention to my post, helped drive some $500 in donations for gender equity (thank you!) – and it made me spend a lot of time thinking about the seemingly huge chasm between my personal understanding and experience of gender-based discrimination in outdoor adventure, and that of much of the rest of the world. 

Now, I don’t want to suggest that the “unhinged lunatic” line of commenting is representative of the general public, but I do suspect that there are many to whom the need for gender equity advocacy in the outdoors is not immediately obvious.  That’s why I am here today, sitting at my desk rather than putting down miles on the Arizona Trail, attempting to put into words the need for and impact of gender equity advocacy work in outdoor adventure. 

Gender Equity: What Is It?

The European Institute for Gender Equality defines gender equity as the “Provision of fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits and responsibilities between women and men.” and goes on to specify that “The concept recognises that women and men have different needs and power and that these differences should be identified and addressed in a manner that rectifies the imbalances between the sexes. This may include equal treatment, or treatment that is different but considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities. Though often used interchangeably, equality and equity are two very distinct concepts.”

Here’s an easy-to-understand example of gender equity vs gender equality

Think of public bathroom design in a situation where there are multi-user men’s and women’s bathrooms.  Equal floor space for each of the multi-user bathrooms is gender equality, and, at first glance, seems like a fair way of designing public use facilities. But it’s not that simple. There are several complicating factors, including child care duties and menstruation, but by far the most obvious is this one: men’s multi-user bathrooms typically include urinals, which take up a lot less floor space than toilet stalls.  That means that an equally sized men’s bathroom can accommodate more users than the women’s equivalent which, for obvious reasons, only has toilet stalls and no urinals. So, does equal floor space for men’s and women’s bathrooms translate to fair and equitable outcomes? No: with equal floor space design, women will spend, on average, more time standing in line waiting for bathrooms. 

[Caroline Criado-Perez dissects this example in a much more nuanced fashion in her terrific book “Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men.”]

What’s the big deal?

Is there an actual opportunity cost? While each individual occurrence may be nothing more than a small inconvenience, over the course of a lifetime the answer is a clear ‘yes’. Think of the trivial example of attending a sporting or music event, and missing part of the performance because you are standing in line for the bathroom. Think of running to catch a connecting flight at an airport, and having to choose between making your connection or relieving yourself because the lines are so long that it is one or the other. Think of attending a big conference and missing out on unstructured conversations and informal yet crucial networking opportunities in between scheduled sessions, because the entirety of your break (and then some) is taken up by standing in line waiting to pee. It matters. 

For more data and insight along this line of thinking, check out the book Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez. I, meanwhile, want to return to the notion of gender equity, or the historic lack thereof, in outdoor adventure, why we need it, and how advocating for it changes the world for the better. 

Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure: Is It An issue? 

The short answer is yes, it’s an issue. Data shows us that there is a real participation gap between men and women – more on that below. Experience shows us there is also an expectation gap in terms of women’s perceived abilities in the outdoors. And it matters, not because equal participation is the ultimate goal, but because of these two factors: 

1. Time spent outdoors translates to increased emotional and physical health, including reduced cancer risk, longer & better sleep quality, and increased life expectancy (Source: Journal of Behavioral Medicine)

2. The personal growth and learning that happens in the outdoors translates back to daily life in the form of more confidence, increased leadership skills, resilience, and more fulfillment in both personal and professional spheres. 

The outdoors is a powerful equalizer—it strips away many of the artificial barriers we face in society and challenges us to problem-solve, adapt, and persevere. When women are underrepresented in these spaces, it isn’t just about missing out on fun or adventure; it’s about missing critical opportunities for personal development, self-discovery, and empowerment. Gender equity in outdoor adventure is about unlocking the full potential of all participants, on and off the trail.

In short, gender equity in outdoor adventure matters beyond paying lip service to an abstract notion of DEI.  The next logical question is: what is the status of gender equity in outdoor adventure – is there an actual gender gap? 

The State of Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure 

The Participation Gap

The good news is that women’s participation in outdoor activities has grown significantly over the last few decades.  The bad news is that there remains a stark gap in representation (Source: Outdoor Industry Association). This is especially true in leadership roles, technical disciplines, and high-stakes expeditions: women are underrepresented – often radically – in mountaineering, big-wall climbing, and other extreme adventure pursuits; gender-diverse adventurers are often invisible in the conversation entirely. Instead of taking my word for it, look at these numbers: 

• In the US, fewer than 10% of AMGA certified mountain guides are women.

• Less than 2% of IFMGA certified mountain guides worldwide are women.  

• 7% of Everest summiteers are women.

• Redbull Rampage, the world’s premier free ride mountain bike event, just admitted women for the very first time in 2024 – after years of concerns that “women would be getting in over their heads, and that someone was going to end up seriously injured (or worse).”

• Only 35% of the overall surfing population are women. 

This participation gap is not simply about preference—it stems from structural and cultural barriers.  There’s a historical lack of female role models in high-profile outdoor pursuits; affinity spaces for women are fewer and less funded. Gear is often designed for men’s bodies, and the marketing of most outdoor brands still skews male.

Yet the issue of gender equity in outdoor adventure runs deeper than a lack of representation or participation in outdoor activities. Gender equity in outdoor adventure encompasses a broad range of topics—from barriers to entry and systemic biases to safety concerns and equitable opportunities for leadership and recognition. Let’s unpack some of these.

Barriers to Entry

The aforementioned representation gap is a barrier to entry in and of itself: you can’t be what you can’t see, and a dearth of women’s adventure narratives means fewer role models and mentors to inspire and guide new female participants on their outdoor adventure journey. 

Equipment and gear design is another barrier. Historically, outdoor gear has been tailored for men, leaving women with fewer options that fit their bodies or needs. There is still not a single double or triple mountaineering boot on the market that has a dedicated women’s version.  Most don’t come in sizes small enough to address the spectrum of women’s needs. High volume expedition backpacks aren’t made in short enough torso sizes or tight enough hip belts to fit smaller women.  Remembering that the average woman in the US stands 5’4” tall and weighs somewhere between 110 to 140 pounds, this means that Jane Doe who decides to climb a mountain like Denali (which requires hauling some 85-110 pounds of equipment) doesn’t just face the task of carrying upwards of sixty percent of her body weight for the expedition— she has to do it with gear that doesn’t fit and exacerbates the challenge. 

Finally, economic barriers disproportionately affect women, who on average earn less than their male counterparts and may lack access to the resources necessary for outdoor pursuits, such as expensive gear, training, or travel. These factors combine to create a landscape where the path towards outdoor adventure is nowhere near as clear for women as it is for men, despite its transformative benefits.

Safety

Safety concerns are an unfortunate yet real issue. Women and other marginalized genders face unique challenges in outdoor spaces, including the risk of harassment or assault. Think about high profile cases like former mountaineering superstar Nirmal Purja’s repeated pattern of sexual assault that was detailed in the New York Times in May 2024. Think about Choosing the Bear, or familiarize yourself with the topic if this is the first you’re hearing of it. Think about these comments that I received when I announced my Arizona Trail speed record attempt on Facebook: “Don’t hike alone, Seriously.” (from a woman) and “you should seriously consider carrying protection. better safe than sorry.  good luck.” (from a man). Safety concerns deter participation and influence how and where women and those outside the gender binary feel safe recreating. 

Recognition and Opportunity

Women frequently struggle for recognition in the outdoor industry. Their achievements are often underreported and undervalued. The Iditarod Trail Invitational would receive coverage by Bikepacking Magazine for the men’s race but not even mention the women’s results – until strong online pushback in 2023 made the magazine change tack. This is just one example of many. 

What may be even worse – where women’s achievements are highlighted and celebrated, others are quick to put them down. Below are just two examples of what women deal with on the regular. 

An unsolicited social media message to Heather Anderson, ground-breaking speed hiker and talented writer, from a new social media follower of hers: 

“Umm no.  I thought I would see pictures of nature but it’s all about you.  It’s self adulation and narcissism.  For… walking.  Lol.  Culturally absurd perhaps, but certainly not particularly interesting.  And to then have some marketing campaign shoved down my face, jeezus. So odd. … [Heather’s interjection: “Well, if you don’t like my content, then you should unfollow.”] … Man you really are directive and bossy.  “Shoulding” all over me; I’ll do what I like thank you. You focus on your selfies and branding.”

A cyber bully to pro skier Caroline Gleich: “How many dicks did you have to suck to get on the cover of those magazines?”

As the above examples demonstrate, even when women achieve remarkable feats, they’re often met with criticism, belittlement, or outright harassment. This not only undermines their accomplishments but can also create a hostile environment that deters participation and silences voices.  This disparity in recognition of, and reactions to, women’s achievements doesn’t just affect visibility—it has real-world consequences that ripple through the outdoor industry. Sponsorships, funding, and career opportunities are directly tied to media coverage and public perception. When women are undervalued or overlooked, they face greater hurdles in securing the financial support and partnerships necessary to sustain their pursuits.

The lack of recognition also reinforces harmful stereotypes that outdoor adventure is a male-dominated domain. It implies that women’s accomplishments are secondary rather than equally deserving of respect and celebration. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle where fewer role models are visible, discouraging others from pursuing similar achievements or careers in the outdoors.

Changing this narrative requires intentional advocacy. Celebrating and amplifying the achievements of women individuals is critical—not just to ensure their contributions are acknowledged but to challenge the systemic biases that have long shaped the outdoor industry. By giving credit where it’s due and fostering an environment of respect and equity, we can create a future where every adventurer has the opportunity to thrive and inspire others.

This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive community where diverse perspectives enrich the outdoor experience for everyone.

Systemic Biases

Safety and recognition are two factors that perpetuate inequity in outdoor adventure but, in my opinion, they are eclipsed by a third one that is much harder to define, call out, and wrestle with: systemic bias. 

Systemic biases regarding women’s abilities and belonging in outdoor adventure are deeply ingrained in all of us, men and women alike, shaping perceptions, opportunities, and experiences. These biases manifest in subtle and overt ways, from assumptions that women lack the physical or technical skills to thrive in challenging environments to questioning their motivation or dedication. This often starts with microaggressions—comments like, “Are you sure you can handle this?” or “You don’t look like a climber”—and can escalate to outright gatekeeping, where women’s presence in certain outdoor spaces is treated as unusual or unwelcome. Having personally read more than a thousand application essays to the Summit Scholarship program, penned by women from all walks of life over the past five years, I know that gatekeeping is not just real – it’s also consequential. 

The perception that women are “outliers” in adventure sports contributes to a lack of access to resources, mentorship, and community. Outdoor equipment is often designed with men in mind, and instructional spaces are frequently male-dominated, creating barriers for women to enter or advance in activities like mountaineering, rock climbing, or ultrarunning.

In addition, women in leadership roles in outdoor expeditions or guiding often face undue scrutiny. Male counterparts may be seen as naturally authoritative, while women must constantly prove their competence. This double standard discourages women from pursuing or remaining in leadership roles, limiting representation and perpetuating the cycle of bias.

Systemic bias also extends to representation in media and storytelling. Women are more likely to be framed as “brave” or “inspirational” for their accomplishments, subtly implying that their achievements are extraordinary for their gender rather than remarkable for the discipline. 

Addressing systemic biases requires intentional efforts to create equity at every level, from designing gear that fits women’s bodies to cultivating inclusive learning environments and amplifying diverse voices in outdoor media. True belonging isn’t about carving out space for women—it’s about dismantling the structures that have historically excluded them and building a culture where everyone is valued equally for their skills, determination, and passion for adventure. It’s about normalizing women’s presence and achievement in the great outdoors. I will consider my work done when the fact that I, as a woman, lead mountaineering teams or pursue big solo speed records, is no longer remarkable. 

Why Should We Care?

Diversity Strengthens Communities and Leads to Better Outcomes

Outdoor spaces are richer and more inclusive when they welcome diverse voices, experiences, and leadership styles. Increasing gender equity in the outdoors leads to better results for all involved – men as much as women. Research consistently shows that diverse groups are better at problem-solving, innovation, and fostering creativity—all critical traits for the outdoor industry as it tackles challenges like climate change, conservation, and increasing access for all. Don’t buy the ‘better outcomes for all’ narrative? Just look at avalanche deaths – men die in avalanches at a much higher rate than women, at a rate that far outstrips the gender differential participation rates in avalanche-risk activities. 

Equity Off the Mountain

The skills and confidence gained in outdoor adventure don’t stay on the mountain. They translate into leadership, resilience, and self-efficacy in other areas of life. By addressing gender inequities in the outdoors, we help dismantle systemic barriers in broader society. Adventure is a powerful equalizer – but only if everyone has the opportunity to step onto the trail, and feels welcome once there.

The Power of Representation

When more women take up space in the outdoors, it creates a ripple effect. Representation matters—seeing someone who looks like you summit a peak, lead an expedition, or break a trail record can be the spark that ignites a dream. Gender equity means creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to dream big and pursue those dreams.

Gender-Diverse and Intersectional Identities 

What I have spoken about so far, I have spoken about from the perspective of a (relatively) neurotypical, straight, white, cis-gendered woman with advanced education and relative economic stability. The challenges I’ve outlined are magnified for those who don’t fall into the gender-binary, and those whose identities exist at the intersections of multiple forms of marginalization—such as women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Gender-diverse adventurers, for one, frequently are excluded entirely from narratives or seen as token inclusions. Outdoor spaces, like much of society, are often structured around binary gender norms, creating barriers for those who don’t fit neatly into those categories. The intersection of race and gender adds further complexity. Women of color, for instance, face both the systemic biases of racism and the gendered challenges outlined earlier. 

These intersectional inequities underscore why gender equity advocacy extends beyond binary definitions and must take into account the full spectrum of identities. Progress means addressing the systemic barriers that keep outdoor spaces from being welcoming and accessible to all. It all comes down to creating not just visibility but belonging, where every individual—regardless of gender identity, race, socioeconomic status, or ability—can find safety, opportunity, and joy in the mountains, trails, and beyond.

By fostering genuinely inclusive communities, we can work towards allowing the transformative power of outdoor adventure to reach not just the privileged, but everyone.  

Why Focus on Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure

Gender equity matters across every field, but focusing on outdoor adventure offers a unique and leveraged way to drive meaningful change. Outdoor adventure is a tangible, action-driven space where the barriers to equity are clear, and the solutions—like increasing representation, amplifying diverse voices, and creating equitable opportunities—are practical and achievable. What’s more, the impact of improving gender equity in outdoor adventure extends far beyond the trailhead. The confidence, leadership skills, and sense of empowerment cultivated in the outdoors ripple into day-to-day life, driving personal growth and societal change.

Outdoor adventure also lends itself to powerful storytelling. It’s a field rich with narratives of pursuit, resilience, and transformation, making it a compelling platform for advocacy and awareness. When people connect emotionally to stories, they’re more likely to engage, support, and join the movement for change.

What Can Advocacy Achieve?

Advocacy for gender equity in outdoor adventure isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about creating tangible change. Here’s how:

• Funding Opportunities: Programs like the Summit Scholarship provide financial access for women and gender-diverse individuals alongside with an outspoken invitation to participate in traditionally male-dominated spaces, opening doors that would otherwise remain closed.

Where Do We Go from Here?

As you read this, you may be thinking, “This all sounds great, but how can I help?” Advocacy doesn’t always require grand gestures. Start with small steps: support organizations that work for equity, share stories of women and gender-diverse adventurers, or mentor someone who’s just starting out. When you observe gendered aggressions – a woman being cut off or talked over, talked down to, gaslit or diminished in other ways – step in and advocate for her. No matter what your own gender is: use your voice to redirect the conversation, amplify her perspective, or simply call out the behavior in a respectful but firm manner. Small actions like this not only support individuals in the moment but also signal to others that these behaviors won’t be tolerated, helping to shift cultural norms over time.

In addition, you can take action today by contributing directly to one of the gender-equity focused initiatives that I spearhead:

Gender equity in outdoor adventure is about fairness, yes—but it’s also about building a stronger, more vibrant, and inclusive community. It’s about creating a world where everyone has the chance to step into nature, experience its transformative power, and redefine what’s possible. Together, we can take meaningful steps toward that vision.

For me, this isn’t just an abstract idea—it’s my passion. I believe that by focusing on outdoor adventure, we can create a ripple effect that not only improves access and equity in the mountains, but helps build a more inclusive and fair world overall.