News / Steppin Sistas
Bristol women’s walking group fundraising to break down barriers
A women’s walking group is fundraising to make their trips more accessible for members from lower-income backgrounds.
Sophie Brown set up Steppin Sistas in April to improve the wellbeing of women of colour by encouraging them to venture into rural spaces.
But due to the costs of suitable equipment and travel, some women have been unable to join the group’s walks.
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“When I hear about how these costs are stopping women from being able to come out, it just breaks my heart and I want to help in any way I can. I had seen other groups raise money through crowdfunds, so I thought why not try the same for us?” Explained Sophie.
The walking group, which has more than 500 members, has organised trips to local green spots such as Leigh Woods and Snuff Mills, as well as trips further afield to Glastonbury Tor and North Somerset coast path.
Some trips outside of Bristol incur travel costs, and longer walks require suitable footwear and clothing for health and safety reasons.
Sophie told Bristol24/7: “Women want to come out, but they can’t, and the main reason is affordability. Walking boots are expensive and even things like buying a train ticket or wellington boots can be very difficult for some of our members”
Sophie Brown wants to make the countryside a place for everyone. Photo: Sophie Brown
The group hopes to raise £2,000 by the end of the month. The funds will go towards subsidising the cost of appropriate walking clothing – such as walking boots – and the travel costs of longer trips.
The group is also fundraising to get more women trained as walking leaders to help Steppin Sistas expand.
The group hopes to raise £2,000 by the end of the month. Photo: Sophie Brown.
Sophie started Steppin Sistas after finding that many women of colour that she knew in Bristol did not see the countryside as a place for them.
Having faced suspicion and racism herself when walking in the countryside, Sophie understood why her friends felt judged in rural spaces.
But she felt saddened that women of colour in Bristol were missing out on the physical and mental health benefits that come with walking in nature.
Through Steppin Sistas, Sophie hoped to give women of colour in Bristol a chance to walk in the safety and company of others who have had similar experiences of discrimination.
She said: ‘I’ve had some really positive feedback. People tell me that after a walk they’re so relaxed, they sleep better at night, that it clears their head – this just shows me how important it is that everyone has a chance to walk in nature.”
Main photo by Sophie Brown
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