At a time where there is such uncertainty and disharmony in the world, we celebrate International Women’s day. An opportunity for women to stand up and demand equality and break the bias. Individually, we are responsible for our own behaviours but united we can start to make a change. Women in Naturism are no different. A community of women who are passionate advocates for nudity and Naturism, we should have the right to choose to keep our clothes off without being subjected to our bodies being sexualised. In this digital age of social media, many women are standing proud and sharing their love for Naturism by posting images and stories online in an effort to remove the stigma.
There are many different reasons why women choose Naturism and different ways of discovering it. For some, it has been a partner introducing them to it, others stumbling across it while on holiday or those who were raised in a Naturist environment. Regardless of their route into social nudity, many women become ambassadors for Naturism and want to encourage others to try it.
There are many reasons why women are reluctant to try Naturism. Fear of being judged for not having what the media considers “a beautiful body” ranks highly. Linda Weber, from AANR (American Association for Nude Recreation) says, 'The media is full of articles and pictures of what women are "expected" to look like. The focus on being young and thin with no imperfections is unattainable, yet we hold women to this unreal standard. You have to "peel the onion" to remove the layers of shame, embarrassment, lack of body positivity, religious and societal expectations.' Steph McManus of Bodyfreedom International says, 'There is a fear of being objectified by men and being judged by other women. The way we compare ourselves to other women is haunting.'
As a society, there is much women can do to support other women who may be curious about Naturism. Anna Woodings, says 'Each woman that gets involved is not only showing her own commitment and support to Naturism but also taking part in a lifestyle that helps to empower, breaks media-led rules about the type of bodies that should be seen naked, desexualises nudity by helping to make it commonplace and ordinary and encourages other women to find the various positives that suitable experience with social nudity offers. '
How many people write of naturism just through blind ignorance? Speaking about Naturism and nudity to your friends and family opens up the conversation and the less ‘Taboo’ it becomes. Maybe a reduced focus on the ‘nudity’ and more on the other benefits being clothes free can bring is valuable? As Lins from Belgium suggests, 'Today, naturism is largely “the thing where you get naked among others' '. If we can change that to "the thing that makes you feel good about yourself" or "the thing that takes all your stress away" or "the thing that makes you feel more confident as a woman", it will attract many more women.'
Since discovering Naturism myself, not only have I lost the clothes, I’ve lost body image fears too. No longer do I compare myself to others. I accept my body and am proud of the vessel that keeps me alive and well. Who cares about the odd scar here and there, the cellulite, the rolls? These are badges of honour and symbols that I have lived, had a child, survived surgery. Naturism is one of the easiest things to try. It's not dangerous or unhealthy and it’s not permanent, As Lins says 'It’s not like getting a tattoo - if you try Naturism and don’t like it, simply put your clothes back on.' It’s as simple as that. I have discovered a feeling of liberation and acceptance and I want other women to experience these feelings for themselves.
Women across the globe are already passionate and are actively promoting Naturism, like Anna. 'My passion for Naturism is mainly driven by the fact that I believe that a fearful and taboo attitude towards the human body has helped do huge amounts of social damage. It feeds a need for porn, it aggravates abuse, it encourages body shaming, it exaggerates sexual stereotyping, it hinders children from sensible and suitable learning, it breeds guilt from healthy sexual desires and it discourages an open and honest attitude to our fellow humans. Clothes offer barriers, they become our armour behind which we hide and become subconsciously disconnected. Naturism offers an innocence in nudity for adults that sadly some, myself included, were not allowed as children. Naturism cannot single handedly put the world to right, but it can be a part of our growth and part of a better world.'
No matter where you are in the world, or what your situation is, there is a way for you to try Naturism as well. Even if it’s just at home making a cup of tea. You’ll wish you’d found it sooner.
Helen Berriman
Women in Naturism co-ordinator British Naturism
