Women in naturism

Early in the history of naturism, the presence of women in naturism wasn’t even a question. Women took their children to family naturist camps and clubs while male spouses worked. Today though there are several women in leadership women have a much smaller presence in a male dominated (by numbers) naturist populous.

There is an frequent question about women in naturism, why don’t more women in naturism today? There are many factors to consier when answering this question ¹Women’s Issues with Nudity. Several factors including women entering the workforce among others may have been the cause of this shift. The percentage of women who participate in social naturism varies greatly but country according to available statistics. ²Breakdown of women who have practiced naturism on the beach or in a naturist camp in the world in 2017, by country

Women, single or in (smaller) groups, often face the problem that men consider them lust objects instead of people who just want to be outside to relax. Modern sex-based society has unfortunately ingrained such an ‘awareness’ in many men. Harassment is something everyone fears. This can happen in the form of just being stared at, being photographed (something that’s not done among respectful naturists and nudists) or even being approached and physically harassed.

Indigenous women were practicing naturism long before their European counterparts. The impact of colonialism and slavery diminished that practice for all but the most remote people.

Should women be taking over naturism? What if they did? Would it make a difference? The role of women in naturism should not be underestimated. Some of the early pioneers of th nudist movement in the United States were women.  Christiane Lecocq and other women helped found modern naturism in Europe. Some naturist organizations today are headed by women.

Women in naturism is part campaign and part movement. The campaign started as Women in naturism weekend a joint effort by British Naturism and the American Association for Nude Recreation to promote female participation in naturism. British Naturism has relaunched the campaign under new leadership

What about when a woman has her period?

At  naturist venues, even those which  clothing not optional  women are permitted to wear shorts or bikini bottoms during menstruation. This allows women to go through their period in the same manner they would choose in the textile world. Women who use tampons may continue to go nude during their period.

Women of color like Shirley Mason are active leaders in naturism. Many women of color chastened by the legacy of colonial and religious values are often invisible in traditional circles. Preferring instead to to practice private clothes free life at home or among select friends. However, a new generation of African American, Black and indigenous women of color have begun to take a lead by forming social naturism groups like the a Black Naturist Association. Still there is work to do to create safe spaces for women of color to participate in naturism in greater numbers.

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external links

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Essays by Patti Logan

Julie’s Naturist Page

Women & Social Nudity: A Letter to Wives from a Nudist Spouse

Women En Large Home Page

A Single Female’s Perspective on Naturism

Golden Colorado Tan – Naturally

NetNude – Women in Naturism

Resources for women – Naturist Society

 

References

• 1
  Women’s Issues with Nudity
• 2
  Breakdown of women who have practiced naturism on the beach or in a naturist camp in the world in 2017, by country