Member-only story

Wanderers: A Comprehensive History of Women's Walking

Harry Cook

·4.1k Followers· Follow

Published in Wanderers: A History Of Women Walking

7 min read

429 View Claps

44 Respond

Save

Listen

Throughout history, women have faced numerous obstacles and barriers to their mobility and freedom. Walking, a seemingly simple and mundane activity, has often been a site of struggle and empowerment for women, as they have fought for the right to move freely and independently.

Wanderers: A History of Women Walking

by Kerri Andrews

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	476 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages

This comprehensive article will delve into the rich and multifaceted history of women's walking, exploring the challenges, milestones, and inspiring stories of women who have paved the way for female walkers throughout the ages.

Early History

In ancient societies, women's mobility was often restricted by cultural norms and social expectations. In many cultures, women were expected to stay close to home and were forbidden from traveling alone. However, there are isolated examples of women who defied these restrictions and embarked on extraordinary journeys.

One such example is the story of Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh of Egypt who ruled from 1479 to 1458 BCE. Hatshepsut was a skilled hiker and often led expeditions to distant parts of her kingdom. She also commissioned the construction of a series of temples and monuments, including the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, which features reliefs depicting her hiking and climbing.

Another notable figure from ancient history is Artemisia I of Caria, who ruled from 480 to 470 BCE. Artemisia was a renowned naval commander who led her own fleet in the Battle of Salamis against the Persians. She was known for her courage and strategic brilliance, and her story has inspired generations of female warriors and leaders.

The Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, women's mobility was further restricted by the rise of Christianity. The Church preached that women should be submissive and obedient to their husbands, and that their place was in the home. As a result, women were often confined to the domestic sphere and were discouraged from traveling or engaging in any kind of public activity.

Despite these restrictions, there were still some women who managed to defy the social norms and pursue their passion for walking. One such woman was Egeria, a Spanish nun who lived in the 4th century CE. Egeria embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and her detailed account of her journey provides valuable insights into the experiences of female travelers in the Middle Ages.

The Renaissance and Enlightenment

The Renaissance and Enlightenment periods brought about a gradual shift in attitudes towards women's mobility. Humanist scholars began to argue that women were capable of intellectual and physical achievement, and that they should be given the opportunity to pursue their interests.

One of the most famous women of the Renaissance was Christine de Pizan, a French poet and philosopher. De Pizan was a vocal advocate for women's rights, and she wrote extensively about the importance of education and freedom for women. She also wrote a book called "The City of Ladies," which featured a group of women who embark on a pilgrimage to a utopian city where they can live freely and independently.

The 19th and 20th Centuries

The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed a growing number of women challenging traditional gender roles and pushing for greater freedom and independence. This period saw the rise of the women's rights movement, and women began to demand the right to vote, to work, and to pursue their own interests.

One of the most important figures in the history of women's walking is Annie Smith Peck. Peck was an American mountaineer and explorer who became the first woman to climb Mount Huascarán in Peru in 1908. She also led expeditions to other mountains around the world, and her achievements helped to inspire a generation of female climbers.

Another notable figure from this period is Harriet Chalmers Adams. Adams was an American author, photographer, and activist who became the first woman to walk across the United States in 1915. Her journey took her from New York City to San Francisco, and she wrote a book about her experiences called "A Woman's Way Through Unknown Labrador."

Walking as a Feminist Act

In the late 20th century, walking emerged as a powerful feminist symbol. Women began to use walking as a way to reclaim public space and to challenge the male-dominated culture of the time. In 1971, a group of women in New York City organized the first Take Back the Night march, in which hundreds of women walked through the streets to protest violence against women.

Walking has also been used as a tool for social change and activism. In 1987, a group of women in the United Kingdom founded the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp. The women walked to the Greenham Common airbase, where they held a protest against the deployment of nuclear weapons. The camp lasted for 19 years, and it became a symbol of women's resistance to war and violence.

Women's Walking Today

In the 21st century, women's walking continues to evolve and take on new meanings. Women are walking for health, fitness, adventure, and social change. There are now more women than ever before participating in walking events, such as marathons and ultramarathons.

One of the most visible examples of women's walking today is the annual Women's March. The first Women's March was held in Washington, D.C. in 2017, and it drew millions of participants. The march was organized to protest the election of Donald Trump, and it has since become a symbol of women's resistance to sexism, racism, and xenophobia.

The history of women's walking is a rich and complex one, filled with challenges, triumphs, and inspiring stories. Women have fought for the right to move freely and independently, and they have used walking as a tool for self-expression, social change, and activism.

Today, women continue to walk for a variety of reasons. They walk for health, fitness, adventure, and social change. They walk to challenge stereotypes, to reclaim public space, and to make their voices heard. The history of women's walking is a testament to the power of women to overcome adversity and to create a more just and equitable world.