As a solo traveller and outdoor professional, I often feel uneasy about my safety during personal trips. The challenges include poorly lit pathways, inadequate sanitation facilities, and a significant shortage of female guides and support staff. These issues are faced by women across India, which highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure to ensure women’s safety in adventure travel.
A March 2024 survey of 1,214 women revealed that 29 per cent of the participants were concerned about route or destination security, another 29 per cent worried about physical comfort, 23 per cent feared vehicle breakdowns, and 19 per cent were anxious about sexual harassment.
Over the last decade, there has been a rise in women adventure groups and solo female travellers, with many choosing outdoor thrills over traditional vacations. However, there are only a handful of women-led adventure tourism companies and the industry is yet to fully cater to the needs of its women consumers.
The adventure tourism industry must make women’s safety a central focus instead of treating it as an afterthought.
More women as guides
A large number of women graduate each year from institutions offering skill training in various adventure disciplines (mountaineering, skiing, scuba diving, and paragliding) in India. However, there remains a notable shortage of female guides and support staff. Encouraging more women to step into these roles is essential for creating a diverse and welcoming environment.
At present, only a few companies hire women as guides, but the advantages are substantial. Female guides offer insights and sensitivities that are often missing in male guides. Not only do female guides reshape traditional power dynamics in the industry, they also create a more comfortable and empowering environment for women travellers, especially in remote areas.
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Gender sensitisation
In the male-dominated outdoor industry, gender sensitivity training is crucial to ensure women’s safety in adventure travel. This training not only makes women feel valued as active participants but also helps male guides and staff understand the nuances of gender dynamics, prevent harassment, promote respectful interactions, and honour personal boundaries. It fosters a culture of empathy and respect, making outdoor adventures more enjoyable for women.
Upgraded facilities
Campsites and trekking paths should be equipped with proper lighting, especially near washrooms and communal areas. Well-lit, gender-segregated facilities that prioritise cleanliness and security can significantly improve women’s comfort and participation in outdoor activities.
Better gear for women
The gear industry needs to design equipment that fit women properly. From backpacks designed for the female torso to lighter, ergonomically sound gear, these improvements can make a big difference in ensuring both comfort and safety.
Improved medical kits
Menstrual health and other specific needs should be accounted for in standard medical kits. Including supplies such as sanitary products and pain relief medication for menstrual cramps is essential in ensuring women travellers’ well-being.
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Enforcement of safety standards
Policies that ensure women’s safety in adventure travel need to be strictly enforced, with clear protocols for handling harassment as well as mismanagement of hygiene and equipment.
By making these changes, the adventure tourism industry can finally offer women the freedom to explore without worrying about safety. The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) has recently emphasised improving women’s safety protocols, a critical first step in addressing the unique challenges faced by female travellers.
It’s time to transform outdoor experiences into spaces where women feel empowered, supported, and safe. In a world where more women than ever are ready to embrace the thrill of adventure, the industry needs to catch up and ensure that they can do so without hesitation. Let’s make the outdoors a place where women can thrive unburdened by fear and fully experience the joy of exploration.
Anusha Subramanian is an independent journalist, mountaineer, and entrepreneur who has been writing specifically about adventure and mountaineering for over a decade. She posts under @sanushas. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)