Here in Canada I have noticed a number of interesting trends in "outdoorspersons". From my role as instructor in a university outdoor leadership program our enrollment varies between 40-60% female depending on the cohorts moving through the 4 years of university.
Under another hat I am an instructor for our Provincial Hunter Education program. Of students looking to complete their certificate (required for purchasing hunting tags) we see only 10-15% female participation.
A few years back we initiated an Outdoors Woman Weekend at the camp operated by our association. This event is tailored to women wanting to become more proficient in various outdoor acitvities including: fishing, flyfishing, flytying, survival, campfire cooking, archery, crossbow, rifle, shotgun, handgun, cleaning fish/game, backing up a trailer, plant ID, wildcrafting, herbal tincture/soap prepartion, and any other idea we can develop. This weekend routinely sells out (120 spaces) with a waiting list clamouring to get involved.
Our greatest struggle is locating female instructors to provide mentorship in all of these areas. Common comments include, "this is the first time someone has actually wanted to teach me," "it is so much less threatening to learn with a bunch of other girls," "it is so great to be encouraged to try, without some man trying to correct me, do it for me, or take care of me," and "when can I come back again?"
The interest is certainly present, it might be up to the 'good old boys' to step aside and provide a friendly encouraging environment. And realize the unintentional bias we have that plays out in our actions, words and encouragement. A case in point would be found in reading through the recent comments in a BCUK thread about Dave Budd's 'retirement' from writing for Bushcraft & Survival Skills magazine. In my memory there was at least one complaint about the "women's" portion of the periodical. Suggesting that it was unnecessary. Perhaps the articles were offbase, but they should be congratulated on making an attempt to include topics of potential interest and concern to females.
Just remember that the greatest challenge in getting anyone to join any group/concept/activity/club, is to be accessible, friendly and meet them at their level of experience, interest and comfort. Just imagine the potential dynamism in outdoor recreation and bushcraft that could evolve if we could include all genders and cultures on an equal level.
