New RMIT research shows participation in outdoor activities helps to overcome loneliness and improve connection among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women.
The research, titled 'Social, Accessible, Fun, and Equitable' (SAFE), explored the challenges and benefits associated with outdoor participation, and found that outdoor activities significantly reduce feelings of isolation and foster a strong sense of belonging and connection within communities.
Lead researcher, Dr Ancy Gamage, said the findings shed a light on just how life-changing the impact of connecting through nature and activities could be, especially for CALD women who have had limited access to the Australian outdoors.
"Participation in outdoor activities empowers CALD women, providing them with opportunities to connect with their communities, share cultural experiences, and build confidence in an inclusive environment. This sense of belonging leads to positive interactions and stronger community ties, with some women going as far as leading outdoor activities within their communities," Dr Gamage said.
The study found that engaging in outdoor activities also improved physical and mental health, enhanced social connections, and created opportunities for cultural exchange, with activities helping to build confidence, facilitate educational experiences about Australia’s diverse landscapes, and encourage a greater sense of empowerment and inclusion.
For example, one participant shared their personal experience of connection through custom.
"Just sharing our background, also learning from another (Australian) nationality. We shared everything about our coffee ceremony...where we show them (the outdoor leaders) our culture," they said.
Other participants spoke about reduced anxiety through mindfulness in nature, and the joy of engaging in cultural events outdoors, which nurture a deeper sense of connection and belonging.
"Engaging in these activities breaks down barriers, helping CALD women embrace outdoor leisure and feel comfortable taking part. Importantly, it moves them away from the dominant perception of the outdoors being a white, masculine and able-bodied space," Dr Gamage said.
The research identified a range of actions for industry organisations to support CALD women to engage in outdoor spaces and activities, including:
- engaging community organisations to deliver culturally relevant outdoor activities
- supporting local equipment borrowing schemes, such as helmets
- providing multilingual signage and comprehensive safety information to be inclusive of a broader range of languages
- adapting existing outdoor activities to meet religious, cultural and practical needs of CALD women.
"By implementing community-based initiatives and supporting culturally relevant programming, we hope we can inspire greater participation and promote long-term community integration," Dr Gamage said.
This research was funded by the Victorian Government, through the Change Our Game Research Grants Program, and undertaken by RMIT University in collaboration with Out Doors Inc.
Gamage, Ancy; Shahid, Sehrish; Sagheer, Sadaf (2025). Safe: Outdoor Participation by CALD women: research findings summary. RMIT University. Report. (DOI:10.25439/rmt.30092950)
-ENDS-
Case study:
Arianna, 32, Philippines.
Motivated by her love for cycling and the desire to see herself reflected in the groups she was participating in, Arianna, a Filipino woman now based in Melbourne, founded ‘Bite Sized Rides’, a volunteer-run cycling group for people of colour.
Since its founding in 2024, Bite Sized Rides has become a welcoming space where participants feel comfortable, regardless of their cycling experience. They’ve organised over 15 rides catering for varying abilities, from short city rides to local food destinations, to overnight treks through regional trails that include camping, adding to the social and community nature of the group.
With the help of other volunteers, the initiative has grown to include over 100 members, fostering a strong sense of community and empowerment, particularly among CALD women.
Arianna's mission was to carve out a welcoming space for people of colour to explore the outdoors and she has successfully created a community that she couldn't find for herself. Many participants have become friends.
"I fell in love with riding because it's such a nice way to be outside, be active and access nature. But cycling, especially adventure cycling, can feel like such a white space, and that wasn't reflective of the group of friends that I had in my day-to-day life. I really wanted to merge those worlds and realised we couldn’t rely on existing groups to make that happen. So, we decided to do it for ourselves".
Contact details:
Dr Ancy Gamage
0402 960 727 or [email protected]
Or contact RMIT External Affairs and Media on 0439 704 077 or [email protected]
