Where Are The Women?

I've been pretty quiet on the debate that's unfolding around the lack of women at Red Bull Rampage this year. Mostly because I believe in developing a well-informed opinion before speaking. And partly because, as a woman in the outdoor industry, I see parallels that make me uncomfortable. However, I think in order for things to move forward, we need more advocates in this space and should welcome hard-conversations.

Here's my hot-take:
- Without women having the opportunity to do hard things, they cannot level up
- Without equal representation, other opportunities like sponsorship are harder to obtain
- Without visibility in mainstream media, the younger generation lack role models and again women miss out on airtime that drives opportunity
- Without invitation and investment, the likelihood of women reaching their full potential is reduced massively
- Without the chance to perform at the highest level, practical mentorship opportunities cannot come full-circle
- Without allowing women to lead, the sport and industry lack the diverse perspectives that are vital for a well-rounded culture
- Without women having the platform and tools to develop their skills, they're at an instant disadvantage
- Without the chance to perform at a higher level, women don't have a green light to succeed and can loose the confidence they need to gain expertise
- Without the opportunity to attend and be part of high-stakes events/projects, women loose credibility for their craft and adequate pay opportunities for what they're bringing to the table
- Without peers in positions of authority or expertise, it's hard for women to visualise a path forward
- Finally, if it's half-assed, then it's not equal

I don't want this to be seen as a rant. I'm aware of the nuance of this topic and it is by no means a man-hunt. I recognise that there are challenges around logistics, venue, safety of riders, gap in skill and media coverage, for Rampage in particular. However, with the lack of Formation this year, there's a gaping hole in women's freeride in the desert, and it's something that deserves to be addressed for a more equitable future in our sport.

Women's football is doing it. Women's rugby is doing it. Even women's road biking is doing it with the Tour de Femmes gaining around 2 million viewers per stage. So what's stopping us from giving women a platform to progress and succeed in the most testing freeride spot on the planet?

It's amazing to see big players in the space commenting on current events. Interested to hear your thoughts!

Image: Katie Lozancich