Ongoing challenges for women as outdoor leaders

Abstract

Women outdoor leaders continue to face challenges in being fully recognized as both competent and caring leaders. Many of those challenges are based on stereotypical views of what constitutes what is appropriate for females and males (gender role stereotypes) and on views of what comprises a leader (one with masculine traits). Women leaders face sex-based microaggressions, which reinforce the demand that females behave in ways that match their socially defined gender. Acknowledging these types of challenges is the first of many steps that can be taken to support women being viewed and accepted as leaders in the out of doors.