International Women's Day special interview
Fjällräven loves nature, and nature has no prejudices or bias.
Regardless of gender, everyone is welcome to walk with us in the nature.
The theme for International Women Day in 2022 is #BreakTheBias.
Fjällräven SEA had interviewed three strong women hiker friends of ours, to celebrate their achievement and to also support the theme of IWD 2022 of breaking the bias while encouraging all women to not hesitate in trying hiking/trekking.
Sharifah from Malaysia
Sharifah is an avid hiker and have been trekking all over the world for many years including participating in Fjallraven events. She works professionally in the technology consulting line and spend her time hiking almost every week.
1. What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #BreakTheBias mean for you in your work life or interest?
International Women's Day to me in general is a celebration of self worth, self confidence and also a celebration of differences and values where the hashtag #BreakTheBias aligns with this too. As a woman, whether you are a career woman or a homemaker, each of us needs to have life goals that can only be achieved with having clear objectives and aspirations. Women should be brave to explore their own capabilities without anyone being biased towards them regardless of their gender and background. They too can achieve the same goals in their life and interests as long as they are positive and continue to stay positive.
International Women's Day to me in general is a celebration of self worth, self confidence and also a celebration of differences and values where the hashtag #BreakTheBias aligns with this too. As a woman, whether you are a career woman or a homemaker, each of us needs to have life goals that can only be achieved with having clear objectives and aspirations. Women should be brave to explore their own capabilities without anyone being biased towards them regardless of their gender and background. They too can achieve the same goals in their life and interests as long as they are positive and continue to stay positive.
2. Why do you love hiking?
I have been active all my life. I love the feeling of being healthy and fit. Hiking is one of the perfect activities for me to maintain this. What I love about hiking is, it gives me that life balance especially on my mental and physical strength. Hiking helps me reduce and manage my stress from work and my active children. It is also the easiest activity for me to execute as I live in a supporting environment that gives me easy access to hike and trek.
3. In your opinion, why do you think more women should try hiking?
3. In your opinion, why do you think more women should try hiking?
Life is all about balance. It is as simple as going out and enjoying nature! You walk, you sweat and you will feel healthy and great. Overall, women should try hiking as it helps them build a good character.
4. Do you think there's a stereotype attached to female hikers?
4. Do you think there's a stereotype attached to female hikers?
Stereotyping happens everywhere. A typical one would be the perception that female hikers are not physically as strong as men.
However, this is not entirely true. Although at times there could be certain limitations, we female hikers always find our ways to make things work.
5. Any difficulties that you face as a woman hiker? How do you overcome this?
However, this is not entirely true. Although at times there could be certain limitations, we female hikers always find our ways to make things work.
5. Any difficulties that you face as a woman hiker? How do you overcome this?
I have faced many difficulties, from a simple dilemma on how to choose the right hiking shoes up to how I was going to summit a peak with insufficient rest that I felt like giving up. Regardless of any difficulties, you just need to have that positive attitude, be resourceful and make the best out of it. Always be mindful and follow the rules.
6. Piece of advice to a woman thinking of trying hiking?
You are more than what you think! Never fear giving hiking a try as it is fun and enjoyable. Start with a light hike on an easy track. There are many support groups around if they are not sure how to start hiking.
7. On International Women's Day, what's the most important message that you want to send out to all women hikers or woman-hikers-to-be?
7. On International Women's Day, what's the most important message that you want to send out to all women hikers or woman-hikers-to-be?
We are beautiful in many ways and we must be courageous to make that effort to simply try. Celebrate each other's success be it big or small, major or minor. Do not compete with each other but support one another. Always be positive and it is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. Keep hiking! And Happy International Women's Day!
8. How do you divide your time between your children and outdoor activities?
Do you bring your children along to your outdoor activities?
8. How do you divide your time between your children and outdoor activities?
Do you bring your children along to your outdoor activities?
I manage projects in my line of work and I apply the same in my life. I organize my time and use it wisely. At times I can be impromptu but I always plan my time ahead and execute accordingly. Whenever there's any opportunity, my children would join me to enjoy the same privilege of going hiking or doing any other outdoor activities as these benefit them in many ways. They have been to many trails, hills and mountains by the way.
Shiny from Philippines
I am Elinor Bulotano. My parents got creative and decided to call me Shiny, because Eli means God and Nor means light, therefore God's light is Shiny.
My professional career started in the BPO industry and was with human resources half of the time. A decade ago I decided to take the leap and focus on the travel business and never regretted a single day of it. I enjoyed the travel industry as I started building a family.
Now I have 2 smart boys, a fierce daughter who is a better version of me and a loving & hardworking husband who supports all my travel plans. Along with my travel and other businesses, together we try our best to make it prosper as a team.
My professional career started in the BPO industry and was with human resources half of the time. A decade ago I decided to take the leap and focus on the travel business and never regretted a single day of it. I enjoyed the travel industry as I started building a family.
Now I have 2 smart boys, a fierce daughter who is a better version of me and a loving & hardworking husband who supports all my travel plans. Along with my travel and other businesses, together we try our best to make it prosper as a team.
1. What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #BreakTheBias mean for you in your work life or interest?
It’s nice to be given a chance to prove yourself before someone decides what you can and can’t do. As a tour guide, people always assume that I couldn’t carry heavy things, or that I couldn’t simply lead a group of hikers into the wild. I got used to it though, I don’t blame people for stereotyping. It’s sad that I have to prove myself at first, but eventually, people started trusting me. With events like this, little by little, people are learning to respect equality. And hopefully the future generations will benefit from this.
It’s nice to be given a chance to prove yourself before someone decides what you can and can’t do. As a tour guide, people always assume that I couldn’t carry heavy things, or that I couldn’t simply lead a group of hikers into the wild. I got used to it though, I don’t blame people for stereotyping. It’s sad that I have to prove myself at first, but eventually, people started trusting me. With events like this, little by little, people are learning to respect equality. And hopefully the future generations will benefit from this.
2. Why do you love hiking?
Hiking gives me enough motivation to stay fit as I age. I don’t want to grow old without seeing the rest of the world! Or at least, the mountains. It has become my own temple. It clears my mind, gives me peace and gets me closer to God. Also, being that little person on a very big mountain top reminds me to be humble above all things.
3. In your opinion, why do you think more women should try hiking?
I strongly believe that hiking can bring out the worst and/or best in a person. Hence, you’ll get to know and understand yourself more. If there’s one thing that I keep on advocating for women, it’s self love. I’d like women to discover that hiking is more than selfies and fitness.
4. Do you think there's a stereotype attached to female hikers?
Of course. It’s inevitable at the moment. Hold on ladies, the world is being educated. #BreakTheBias
5. Any difficulties that you face as a woman hiker? How do you overcome this?
I’ve always wanted to try hiking in the deep woods alone or with my daughter. I am hesitant because I don’t want to be a target of any crime. I try to look as manly as possible sometimes to avoid bias.
6. Piece of advice to a woman thinking of trying hiking?
Go for it! No matter what age and number of kids, go for it! Give it a chance to help you discover you!
7. On International Women's Day, what's the most important message that you want to send out to all women hikers or woman-hikers-to-be?
Ladies, don’t ever doubt yourself. Small steps could be the beginning of the biggest step in your life! So just go for it! Let's break the bias and start taking the leap.
Do follow Shiny on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/runshiny.ph/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/runshiny.ph/?hl=en
Madina from Indonesia
Medina Kamil (born 6 April 1982) is an Indonesian television presenter and actress. She is widely known as the presenter of Jejak Petualang on Trans7.
Medina had an accident when the long boat she was on with four friends from the Papua Expedition Team Jejak Petualang drifted for one day in the Arafuru Sea and was finally stranded on an uninhabited island for four days. However, the incident did not deter her.
Medina's courage and determination were highly appreciated, so in 2007 she was awarded the "Sunsilk Unbreakable Woman" award by shampoo manufacturer Sunsilk. Medina received the award along with two other women, namely Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Pembayun, who was considered meritorious as a social activist.
Medina had an accident when the long boat she was on with four friends from the Papua Expedition Team Jejak Petualang drifted for one day in the Arafuru Sea and was finally stranded on an uninhabited island for four days. However, the incident did not deter her.
Medina's courage and determination were highly appreciated, so in 2007 she was awarded the "Sunsilk Unbreakable Woman" award by shampoo manufacturer Sunsilk. Medina received the award along with two other women, namely Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Pembayun, who was considered meritorious as a social activist.
1. What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #BreakTheBias mean for you in your work life or interest?
For me, women have no time limit or circumstances to realize their passion and do whatever profession they want. If they can and enjoy it, why not? It's like my daily life as a housewife, taking care of my children and husband but still doing my job/passion, doing outdoor activities as long as there is a chance.
2. Why do you love hiking?
Hiking is actually annoying and tiring sometimes. But it makes you miss, addicted. Moreover, when you have enjoyed the natural surroundings, making healing. It's like a moment of tiredness gone and feeling proud and grateful that we are still given the strength to achieve our goals and provide awards to ourselves. Be more thankful for what we have.
3. In your opinion, why do you think more women should try hiking?
I think that hiking tests our emotions. Sometimes we can see our weaknesses or strengths when we are hiking. There we can know a person's personality.
Sometimes women are considered weak and timid. So women need this hiking activity to test how much physical and mental strength they have. In addition to being healthier, hiking can change a person's personality to be braver and more decisive.
4. Do you think there's a stereotype attached to female hikers?
Female hikers are sometimes seen as macho, brave, and strong. So many other women find hiking a strenuous activity. They are afraid or unable to start. (This statement is a lot of concern by female friends) Even though all women can do it as long as they are well prepared.
5. Any difficulties that you face as a woman hiker? How do you overcome this?
For now, my difficulty is only to divide my time between family and hiking. Since I got married, I have limited my activities/work related to hiking/outdoor activities. But as long as I have the opportunity, I will continue to live this passion even though it's not as free/as often as I used to be. Usually, I have scheduled many days for outdoor activities to prepare everything so as not to clash with family matters, like arranging a schedule for my husband or nephew (coincidentally, the nephew is already big). Therefore, they can help take care of the children because I am still caring for them without a nanny.
For me, women have no time limit or circumstances to realize their passion and do whatever profession they want. If they can and enjoy it, why not? It's like my daily life as a housewife, taking care of my children and husband but still doing my job/passion, doing outdoor activities as long as there is a chance.
2. Why do you love hiking?
Hiking is actually annoying and tiring sometimes. But it makes you miss, addicted. Moreover, when you have enjoyed the natural surroundings, making healing. It's like a moment of tiredness gone and feeling proud and grateful that we are still given the strength to achieve our goals and provide awards to ourselves. Be more thankful for what we have.
3. In your opinion, why do you think more women should try hiking?
I think that hiking tests our emotions. Sometimes we can see our weaknesses or strengths when we are hiking. There we can know a person's personality.
Sometimes women are considered weak and timid. So women need this hiking activity to test how much physical and mental strength they have. In addition to being healthier, hiking can change a person's personality to be braver and more decisive.
4. Do you think there's a stereotype attached to female hikers?
Female hikers are sometimes seen as macho, brave, and strong. So many other women find hiking a strenuous activity. They are afraid or unable to start. (This statement is a lot of concern by female friends) Even though all women can do it as long as they are well prepared.
5. Any difficulties that you face as a woman hiker? How do you overcome this?
For now, my difficulty is only to divide my time between family and hiking. Since I got married, I have limited my activities/work related to hiking/outdoor activities. But as long as I have the opportunity, I will continue to live this passion even though it's not as free/as often as I used to be. Usually, I have scheduled many days for outdoor activities to prepare everything so as not to clash with family matters, like arranging a schedule for my husband or nephew (coincidentally, the nephew is already big). Therefore, they can help take care of the children because I am still caring for them without a nanny.
6. Piece of advice to a woman thinking of trying hiking?
There is nothing to be afraid of to start hiking; start with a simple exercise, namely cardio/jogging, prepare complete equipment, and find out info or listen to advice from more experienced climbers.
7. On International Women's Day, what's the most important message that you want to send out to all women hikers or woman-hikers-to-be?
The current trend of female climbers is mushrooming; some people just join in, and others really like hiking. Whatever the intention, stay wise.
When in Rome, do as the Romans. Appreciating the natural surroundings is the same as respecting ourselves.
Do follow Madina on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/medinakamil/?hl=en