A landmark report that uncovers and tackles the systemic issues facing women accessing the outdoors across the UK.
We call on institutions, brands, and decision-makers to take responsibility, step up, and drive lasting change.
Three of the UK’s largest female outdoor communities have come together to conduct one of the most significant female-led community surveys to date, aiming to determine how we can better safeguard women in outdoor spaces.
According to all available statistics, sexual offences against women are on the rise across the UK. Between 2009–10 and 2023–24, the National Audit Office (NAO) reported a 264% increase in police-recorded rape and sexual assault offences. Sixty-six percent of reported sexual harassment or abuse experienced by women occurred in a public space.
Alongside these devastating figures, women from ethnic and non-white presenting communities report rising levels of both verbal and physical abuse in public spaces.
Together, these concerning trends are making open spaces and some rural environments feel increasingly daunting and unwelcoming for women across the UK.
This report seeks to understand the lived experiences of thousands of women across the UK, who venture into outdoor and remote areas. It aims to learn how government bodies, the police, ENGOS, non-governmental organisations, park authorities, developers, The Crown Estate, brands, and local councils can do more to protect and safeguard women. It will also explore how to encourage more girls and women to engage with, and take ownership of, the outdoors.
The Board
The report is driven by the missions of three incredible women who used their own experiences to build the UK’s leading outdoor and adventure communities for women and girls.
Representing over 200k members
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Sophie Davis
Founder of the UK’s largest outdoor community for women, Outdoor Adventure Girls.
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Rhiane Fatinikun MBE
Founder of Europe’s largest outdoor adventure group for Black women and girls, Black Girls Hike.
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Amira Patel
Founder of the UK’s largest outdoor adventure community for Muslim women, The Wanderlust Women.
The How
Data
Survey thousands of women who love spending time outdoors, accessing nature and going on adventures.
Mission
We will develop tangible actions that can help support women, make open spaces safer, educate institutions, brands, and organisations on how to do more to keep women safe and ensure they have a greater voice in the outdoor sector.
Report
We will compile the Women in the Open report and detail the real-world experiences of women and the challenges they face.
Change
Gain substantial commitments from the UK Government, ENGOs, local governments, institutions, developers, landowners, brands, and charities to actively make changes that will positively impact women in open spaces.
