Supporting women and girls of their efforts to be physically lively should turn out to be a universal. A public health priority. Preliminary results from our research at Dalhousie University suggest that access to nature could be the key to achieving this.
A recent study in Collected global data from the past 15 years and show consistent and alarming trends: women are getting insufficient physical activity, and the gap between women's and men's activity levels is widening.
Similar trends are observed amongst girls aged 12 to 17. Two percent of Canadians meet the requirements of the 24-hour movement guidelines. – which incorporates adequate sleep and at the very least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity.
Our own A review of the evidence It also found that girls have complex relationships with physical activity, requiring ongoing negotiation of gender roles and stereotypes. They should navigate cultural narratives centered on “the body” in lots of parts of their lives each day. They are expected to be beautiful but natural looking, thin but not too thin, fit but not too muscular.
We are currently engaged in research to explore the health of adolescent girls and young women through a method. Photovoicethrough which participants take photographs to represent their experiences.
Flowers, trees and water
In this study we asked seven research participants to take photographs to explore their health, nutrition, and physical activity experiences and convey them back to a gaggle for discussion, and search for themes or trends.
(Kylie Nunn Photography), Provided by the creator.
They found themes related to difficult norms and stereotypes and the importance of social support and trust. She discussed her perception that “everything is gendered” and that there are activities that girls “should” do. They spoke of sometimes feeling excluded from boy-dominated sports, and of the expectations of what girls should wear while being lively.
They also discussed how they challenge these norms. Girls, for instance, were photographed engaging in unconventional physical activities resembling climbing trees in aerial circus silks and skirts. They also emphasized the importance of support from family and friends to feel protected in difficult norms. There was also a surprising finding: They emphasized being outside in nature.
Although nature and the environment weren't a part of the intended research objective, being outdoors emerged as necessary. Many girls and young women shared images of natural elements, resembling flowers, trees and water.
Provided by the creator.
They also took pictures of themselves, their friends and families engaged in physical activity outside. This often includes general lively outdoor play, but additionally, specifically, activities resembling mountain climbing and camping.
We learned that nature provided necessary contexts for these girls and young women to feel comfortable, protected, and assured in navigating complex gender norms around physical activity.
Safe spaces outside.
A recent review suggests that, as a result of urbanization and parental fear, Young people are less connected to nature than ever before. and consequently miss out on health advantages.
Provided by the creator.
This trend is replicated in popular culture, with Books, songs and movies that show nature as little as possible over time..
Similarly, large-scale surveys within the US show that Young people spend more time with technology than nature. But it also indicates that they value their time with nature and wish more opportunities for that connection.
With the United Nations Recent Alerts Given that we only have a decade left to reverse climate change without catastrophic consequences, engagement with nature has never been more necessary. This could be done by encouraging outdoor play, supporting lively transportation and providing protected spaces for ladies and girls to participate.
Achieving gender equality
Interestingly, The evidence suggests That Women face obstacles. To experience nature.
Gendered expectations, fear of their safety and objectification, and feelings of vulnerability mean to women and girls. Negotiate these feelings to participate in outdoor recreation..
Provided by the creator.
Achieving gender equality is a crucial challenge for the twenty first century, which has been reinforced by the United Nations. Sustainable Development Goalswhich also highlights the importance of nature, environment, sustainability and health.
The advantages of physical activity for mental and physical health are vast, but half the population doesn't realize them. Studies are starting to explore. Sex and OutWhile The importance of nature for women is increasing rapidly..
But more must be done to find out how this finding can support gender equality. Nature is significant for health promotion. An emerging trend in researchand the visitor's focus International Union for Health Promotion and Education Conference.
Could nature be the important thing to promoting physical activity amongst women and girls? More research is required to know obviously, but it surely definitely shows promise.