Views from the TGO Challenge

The TGO Challenge is popular with solo backpackers – both male and female. Coordinators Ali Ogden and Sue Oxley share their thoughts on the risks and reassurances associated with the event...

Is the threat of harassment and male violence against women something you consider while planning the TGO Challenge?

Ali: “We risk assess the Challenge every year. While not specific to the Challenge, unacceptable behaviour is a risk as there’s a whole host of unacceptable behaviour that’s inherent in life and society. We both recognise that it is a small but persistent minority of men who recurrently offend and that a vast majority behave appropriately and respectfully.”

Have you ever had any problems on that front?

Sue: “There was a huge amount of sexism in the early days but that’s much improved. The Challenge is really all about camaraderie – people being equal and helping one another when needed. In a way, it’s a better place!”

Do many solo female walkers take part in the Challenge?

Sue: “We have far more women now on the Challenge than we used to – far more solo women too, and that’s representative of walking in general. Forty years ago, even seeing two women walking in a pair would have been unusual. A woman on her own was pretty much unheard of! So things have come on… slowly.”

Do you think women feel more comfortable taking on the TGO Challenge solo than they might do walking in the hills alone and unsupported?

Ali: “The Challenge offers quite a safety net for all participants, including solo women. The core of the event is that support for one another. Every year there are stories of people going out of their way to help someone else. We also have systems and procedures in place so people can raise issues with us, including via Challenge Control during the event. We listen, we believe, we will support and, if necessary, we will refer people to the police. That’s a layer that isn’t there for anything that isn’t an organised event like this.”