Ženski planinarenje protiv predrasuda i stereotipa: tehničko oprema još uvijek ne uzima u obzir osobine ženskog tijela

Deborah Bionaz, an alpinist and former mayor of Cogne, has spoken openly about the ongoing challenges women face in mountaineering, particularly regarding the lack of equipment tailored to their physical characteristics. Despite notable achievements by female climbers in recent years, the male-dominated narrative persists, influencing both public perception and the design of technical gear. Bionaz, who recently authored a guide to ski touring in the Valle d’Aosta alongside her colleague Ilaria Sonatore, recalls facing skepticism over their work, especially given their height, both under one meter sixty. She noted that even after publication, some critics questioned whether two women could produce such quality work, highlighting the lingering stereotypes that still shape the climbing community. The disparity in representation among professional mountain guides further underscores these issues. According to national data, less than 3 percent of registered female guides are listed in the alpine guide registry. This low percentage reflects broader cultural biases that have historically excluded women from the field. Bionaz has encountered this bias firsthand, particularly in the market for climbing equipment. She explains that while she wears size 35 shoes, the problem extends beyond individual difficulty in finding suitable footwear. Instead, she points out that many brands continue to offer unisex products designed primarily for men, forcing women to adapt, or sell items marketed specifically to women that often lack the performance standards of male-oriented gear. Some products even incorporate gendered stereotypes, such as pink-colored boots reminiscent of children’s toys, which fail to meet the functional demands of serious alpinism. To address these challenges, Bionaz advocates for two key strategies. First, she emphasizes the importance of involving women in product testing processes. As editor-in-chief of the Skialper magazine, she regularly reviews gear for backcountry skiing, alpinism, and trail running. She argues that meaningful dialogue with manufacturers must include women, not just as consumers, but as active participants in shaping the products they use. By ensuring that testers are women, she believes it becomes possible to better understand the specific needs of female bodies, leading to more effective and inclusive designs. Second, Bionaz calls for a shift in cultural attitudes toward women in outdoor sports. She encourages young women to seek out information and demand high-performance gear, rather than accepting subpar options simply because they are marketed as "for women." She stresses that this mindset change requires continued visibility of successful female climbers, pointing to examples like Catherine Destivelle, whose solo climbs on granite faces have redefined the possibilities of alpinism. Bionaz recalls being deeply inspired by a photograph of Destivelle ascending a wall on Mont Blanc during her seventh month of pregnancy, a moment that defies conventional notions of vulnerability and strength. She credits such role models for helping her pursue her own path in climbing. In addition to individual efforts, Bionaz highlights initiatives like the "Riverberi. Storie di Comunità" events in the Valle d’Aosta, which bring together diverse voices to explore themes related to the region, including the relationship between women and mountains. These gatherings foster discussions that challenge traditional narratives and promote greater inclusivity in the outdoors. Through such platforms, Bionaz hopes to inspire future generations of female climbers and encourage a more equitable and supportive environment within the sport. Her message is clear: progress depends on recognizing and addressing the unique needs of women, both in terms of physical equipment and societal expectations.