Women who RAW! Programming for women's participation in adventure based pursuits

Abstract

Numerous constraints have been identified over recent years as impeding women's participation in leisure. Although these limitations have been recognised, and the benefits of participation acknowledged, the role of providers and policy makers in reducing the impacts of constraints has been less clear. This article examines one local government initiative to encourage women's participation in a range of adventure-based physical recreation pursuits. Based on a social planning model of activity provision, the efficacy of the RAW (Real Adventure Women) program is explored from the participants perspectives. The results reveal that a focused project, specifically targeted at women, can offer accessible, safe and supportive opportunities for women's engagement in leisure that can reduce the impact of identified constraints and lead to positive personal outcomes.

Keywords:

• women
• constraints
• adventure-based
• physical recreation
• programming
• local government