In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
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> Are there barriers, perceived or real, that prevent women from starting climbing?
Not really...but every person is different. It realy depends on that person, whether they be male or female.
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> Is climbing sexist?
Not at all...how can an activity be sexist unless you suddenly start calling it 'mens only climbing'. I have met a couple of sexist climbers though...but they're definately in the minority.
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> Can women ever perform at the level of the top men - in the Alps or on the boulders?
There are physiological differences but that does not mean females can't perform to the same level as the elite males. In fact, I've seen alot of female climbers who outperform their male counterparts because they rely on technique as oppose to watching one too many cliffhanger movies and going all macho on overhangs.
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> How can male climbers be educated about women's issues without crying FEMINIST!!!!
It's unfair to tar all males with the same brush. The majority are considerate and sensible enough to know aobut 'woman's issues' without the need for a torretts fit of shouting 'FEMINIST!!!!'
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> Will we ever have a female CEO of the BMC?
I imagine so, when a female becomes interested in the position.
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> Should a mother climb?
A mother climbing is no different to a father climbing. If risks are that significant as to the future of the child, then neither parent should climb.
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> In a climbing marriage with kids how come it is the woman who doesn't get to go out climbing?
I think this is an unfair steriotype based upon selective hearing and limited research. I know of no instances, where both parents are climbers, that the mother is left 'holding the baby'.
All said though, it's a very interesting discussion and I look forward to reading the outcomes of it.
Mikey.