Women in the Wild: Changing the Story We Tell Ourselves

Abstract

Women are constantly being told they are unsafe in society. Time spent in the wilderness is a prime example of a realm where women are often told they are unsafe by those they love, by society, etc. because of its apparent absence from civilization. This thesis will explore notions of why and how women internalize the belief that they are unsafe in the wilderness, the problematic effects of this internalization, and how they can be dismantled. Furthermore, this thesis will examine the recent upward trend in numbers of women participating in wilderness activities, taking into consideration Cheryl Strayed’s popular autobiography Wild as an important piece of the puzzle but also pushing back against the notion that women hike only to experience what Wild has to offer. The wilderness offers a rich variety of challenges and experiences that in many ways, women stand to gain the most from. We need to empower all women to feel comfortable in the outdoors.