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“ There Was Some Kind of Energy Coming into My Heart ”: Creating Safe Spaces for Sri Lankan Women and Girls to Enjoy the Wellbeing Benefits of the Ocean

Author

Listed:
  • Martina Burtscher

    (SeaSisters Sri Lanka, Weligama 81700, Sri Lanka)

  • Easkey Britton

    (European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Truro TR1 SHD, UK)

Abstract

Worldwide, there is growing recognition of the wellbeing benefits of accessing and engaging with healthy blue spaces, especially seas, coasts, and beaches. However, vast gender inequalities persist that impact women’s and girls’ ability to safely access these spaces for recreational benefit. This is even more pronounced in the context of emerging surf cultures in regions such as Southeast Asia. Using a qualitative and reflective approach, this paper explored how safe spaces for female surfers are created, using case studies from two female-focused surfing programs in Sri Lanka. To facilitate a safe space, the multi-layered challenges that female surfers face were analysed. The common mediators that enable females to participate in surfing were then investigated and identified, including: seeing surfing as an option, supportive families and communities, the group factor, free lessons, an all-female environment, culturally appropriate surf apparel, and a safe and playful methodology. This study highlights pathways for how unsafe spaces of exclusion and fear may be transformed into safe spaces of inclusion, healing, and empowerment. These findings have implications for how safe spaces may be facilitated for other organisations, as well as the sustainability of female access to surfing, beyond the life of surfing programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Martina Burtscher & Easkey Britton, 2022. "“ There Was Some Kind of Energy Coming into My Heart ”: Creating Safe Spaces for Sri Lankan Women and Girls to Enjoy the Wellbeing Benefits of the Ocean," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-17, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3342-:d:769350
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lisa H. Glassman & Nicholas P. Otis & Betty Michalewicz-Kragh & Kristen H. Walter, 2021. "Gender Differences in Psychological Outcomes Following Surf Therapy Sessions among U.S. Service Members," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-12, April.
    2. Jamie Marshall & Paul Kelly & Ailsa Niven, 2019. "“When I Go There, I Feel Like I Can Be Myself.” Exploring Programme Theory within the Wave Project Surf Therapy Intervention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-17, June.
    3. Asian Development Bank (ADB) & Asian Development Bank (ADB) & Asian Development Bank (ADB) & Asian Development Bank (ADB), 2015. "Country Gender Assessment Sri Lanka: An Update," ADB Reports RPT157565, Asian Development Bank (ADB).
    4. Jamie Marshall & Sallu Kamuskay & Michaella Margaedah Samai & Isha Marah & Fanta Tonkara & Josephine Conteh & Sullayman Keita & Oullematu Jalloh & Mohamed Missalie & Mohamed Bangura & Olufemi Messeh-L, 2021. "A Mixed Methods Exploration of Surf Therapy Piloted for Youth Well-Being in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-11, June.
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