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You are here: Home / Archives for women

Celebrating Women: International Women’s Day

March 8, 2012 By Jillian

Today thousands of events will occur around the world to celebrate the strength, diversity and achievements of women. It is the 101st celebration of International Women’s Day. In the early 1900s the situation of women across the world was much different than it is today, however there are still great strides to be made. From educating girls in Sub-Saharan Africa, to getting more women involved in politics and ending violence against women, thousands of organizations work throughout the world to improve gender equality and empower women to improve the world.

In celebration of international women’s day, we put together some images of the un-celebrated women around the world that we’ve met in our travels. These women will likely never have the international notoriety of Angelina Jolie’s leg, but they are heroines in their own right.

Women on the Train in Kazakhstan

Swahili Woman in Lamu

Woman and Child in Delhi

Woman in Khiva, Uzbekistan

Female Friends in Colca Canyon, Peru

Guatemalan Spanish Teacher

Women and Child at Labrang Monastery

Filed Under: Headline, Travel & Planning Tagged With: photos, pictures, women

Dirt the Skirt

May 2, 2011 By Jillian

Gleefully I shared my second place trophy with Danny. Threatened perhaps by my success, he reminded me that only three women competed in the off road adventure triathlon. A fair point, but nothing was going to take down my spirit that afternoon.

Winning trophies is great, but it still feels like a lonely world for women in off road sports. I’m surprised at how few women participate in sports like mountain biking or off road triathlons. I’m insulted when I see women’s gear descriptions from manufacturers that focus on how stylish a pair of bike shorts is, not mentioning anything about their construction or material. It’s been decades since our emancipation from the kitchen, so where are the ladies?

Off-Road Adventure Race

To be fair, there are usually more than just a handful of women at these events, especially if it’s a team event, where the rules often require a female team member, but I’m not exaggerating when I say the ratio is easily ten to one male to female at an off-road bike race or off-road triathlon.  I regularly get asked by the other racers if I’m married, seeing anyone or have a girlfriend who also mountain bikes/whitewater kayaks that is single. I kid you not, I was hit on during a race once while fixing my tire. The man was so persistent to know if I had a friend who also rode, he came up to me again after the race to ask a second time.

Genesis Adventure Race

So, why aren’t more women willing to dirt the skirt? Is it a fear of being stereotyped? Why do we still feel that the woods and these off road sports are a man’s place?  I’ve had friends say things to me like “I would NEVER do that” but, why?  What is it about off-road sports that makes us think it’s ‘unlady’ like?

Based on my experience, women looking for a challenge and perhaps some attention, would do well to participate in these sports.  I see more and more women participating in trail runs, maybe it’s just a matter of time before it’s trickles down.

Mountain Biking in Marin County, California

Last weekend we rode some new sections of trail near our house. Riding the intermediate/expert track, we came upon a middle aged woman and her daughter. About to go down a steep ramp on her bike, the girl shouted with glee at her mom waiting at the bottom. “They’re not coming up here!” she said as we took a cut through. I yelled out a word of encouragement, smiled at her mom and tore down the trail.

Maybe we just have to teach ourselves to dirt the skirt. So, how about it?  If you’re interested there are women’s only riding clubs and training groups all over the country.  Give one a try and be an example!

Filed Under: Cycle, Headline, Weekend Warrior Tagged With: off-road, women

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