Outsiders:
Her Stories
Sharing the stories of people who choose to spend their lives outside to encourage a passion for the outdoors and inspire a need to protect it. Both online and in print, for anyone and everyone who shares a love for journeys and adventure.
What’s it all about?
WHAT IS HER STORIES?
This project was born from an observation.
While I was leading expeditions for the Duke of Edinburgh award, it became clear to me that women were outnumbered quite significantly. I wondered whether this was just the case of DofE but reaching out to female professionals from a number of backgrounds confirmed that the issue spread further.
Her Stories seeks to improve representation of women by documenting positive role models and inspiring confidence in the natural world.
WHY IN PRINT?
Call me old school, but I love the feel of print. There is something satisfying about turning a page or folding a corner. By printing this journal, it will materialise the project in a way that isn’t possible online. The role models often portrayed on social media can have negative effects as well as positive, as will be discussed in the volume. To ensure it is accessible, stories will be available online as well as in the 2021 print journal.
These stories are slow, meaningful and real.
GET INVOLVED?
This project is ongoing, hoping to create more balance and representation in outdoor media. Through words, imagery and attainable role models, it’s all about inspiring people to have confidence and comfort in their outdoor spaces.
If you would like to contribute to an upcoming article, or support the project in any way then please get in touch.
COMING UP NEXT?
The first print edition of Outsiders: Her Stories was in May 2021. As Amy Stringfellow rightly says in this volume, sensitive topics are only as sensitive as we make them, so we’re thinking ahead about conversations we would like to open up next.
If you have any thoughts about people or projects that you’d like to see in upcoming articles then feel free to submit a proposal.
Featured articles from the pages of Outsiders: Her Stories
Jodi Thomas: Wild Swimmer & Ecologist
Growing up in Essex, Jodi reflects on how her affinity for the natural world has developed. Her appreciation for the outdoors seems to have found its way into every aspect of her life. She explains her discovery of the pleasure drawn from being outside.
Long Litt Woon: The Way Through The Woods
Long Litt Woon is an anthropologist who has spent her adult life living in Norway with her husband Eiolf who passed away in 2010. Her book, “The way Through the Woods: Of Mushrooms and Mourning”, documents her rediscovery of happiness in a rather unlikely place; the woods.
Tori Taylor: Roberts: Rock Climbing Instructor
Tori Taylor-Roberts draws upon her experience in the climbing industry to discuss the reality of being an outdoor instructor. Her infectious energy and positivity reminds us that people aren’t inherently strong climbers, everyone starts from somewhere. Through this conversation, Tori considers the boundaries within the outdoor community and how important it is to have attainable role models.
Olive Walton: Yoga Teacher & Movement Coach
Having a curious nature has guided Olive down her unexpected journey and led her into the position she finds herself in today, a movement practitioner and yoga teacher based in Brighton. She shares her thoughts on her community and surrounding environment.
Keeping alive a tradition that dates back centuries, Amy Stringfellow is one of a kind. Her talent for old shipwrighting techniques is unique for a number of reasons. Nine years into her career, in a boatyard in Falmouth, Amy reflects upon her journey into the world of boatbuilding and discusses some of the challenges she has had to overcome.
Rhiane Fatinikun: Founder of Black Girls Hike
The outdoors should be a space for anyone. But in 2019, the lack of diversity inspired the start of a movement called Black Girls Hike, to encourage black women to feel more comfortable in the natural world. Since the group began, the community has grown to welcome women from across England. She talks of inclusivity, authenticity and tokenism in the outdoor domain.
Elspeth Knott is a world champion duathlete born in 1950. She shares her journey into the world of competing and reflects upon how, through a variety of activities, the outdoors has always been an intrinsic part of her life. Elspeth’s passion and ability to overcome challenges is deeply inspiring.
Akansha Tiwari: Wildlife Filmmaker
Within just two years of starting a career in wildlife filmmaking, Akansha Tiwari talks honestly about the challenges of being a freelance filmmaker in India. Her upcoming projects could have the power to inspire communities and policy makers, being the first of their kind in the country.
"When I started climbing the sport was much more male dominated. I predominantly climbed with men and female role models were few and far between. Things are a lot better now and we have many strong women to look up to. However, there are still a few imbalances. My advice to young women starting out in climbing is that you must make sure to make climbing your own. Take responsibility for your climbing experience and walk your own journey in the sport."
- Hazel Findley, Outsiders 2021