Sadly, we live in a society where young women are suppressed and forced into stereotypical gender roles. Most women have grown up dressing up as a princess, applying hot pink lipstick and curling their hair. The purpose of this is not to complain about how society socializes women, rather, it’s about supporting women who step outside of the comfort zone of the stereotypical woman by engaging with the outdoors, or so called ‘manly’ activities.
As a young woman, I backpack and camp in national parks, ice climb, canoe and much more. I am also involved in scouting, constantly pushing to get more women involved. Some believe since I am a woman involved in scouting, that I am unable to complete the tasks that men typically do, because I’m ‘fragile’. Yes, I am a female who identifies as a woman. Yes, I wear makeup and dresses. Yes, I am capable of everything. From someone who goes from wearing a gown at a formal event to not showering for several days while hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail, take it from me, women can accomplish anything.
Don’t let the fact that you like makeup, dresses and doing your hair keep you from getting involved in outdoor activities, deemed too masculine for women. Being involved in these activities is not only fun, but allows the growth of leadership skills, the ability to gain more knowledge and become the best version of you that you can be.
It’s time for women to take a stand, shatter stereotypes and receive respect from society. Whether this is done by more women engaging in scouting organizations or simply just going outside and getting involved, the ultimate goal is to normalize women being involved in outdoor activities.
I’m feminine. I love pink. I love backpacking. And I love dirt. Nothing stops me from doing what I love, and it shouldn’t stop you either.
