International Women’s Day 2025

For every year, for more than a century the 8th March is recognised as International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Women play a vital role in our sport making up almost 50% of Scottish Orienteering membership. The SOA staff team is all women!

In this article, women in orienteering share how inclusive and welcoming they have found the sport:

Tara Black INVOC was awarded the President’s Quaich this year for her volunteering making an outstanding contribution to the club:

‘As an adult beginner, I was introduced to orienteering through my children having the opportunity in primary school. I enjoyed helping out and was soon taking part in events and so we joined our local club. I already loved trail running, but orienteering challenges me mentally as well as physically. The Club offered adult coaching sessions, including contour training, and this improved my orienteering hugely. I’ve made some dreadful mistakes, ending up in the middle of nowhere, but I’ve been determined not to give up or panic! I’ve learnt so much and this all helped build my confidence, self-reliance and skills.

There’s a great sense of community spirit too, amongst adults and juniors alike, and as a mum of a junior athlete I get to accompany them to many events around the country. I highly recommend volunteering with your local club as a way to being more involved and meeting like-minded folk.’

Lindsey Knox is the chair of RR and a controller:

‘Orienteering is a great leveller as no matter our gender, age or nationality it’s great that we can all compete at our own pace with everyone equally welcome. It’s also encouraging to see so many women taking on the role of club Chair proving that ability is more important than gender in our sport’

Eilidh Campbell MAROC has recently taken on the role of MAROCs club development officer and is also an elite orienteer. We wish her the best of luck in her new role:

‘Orienteering has a really inclusive and welcoming culture for women. There are courses at events to suit all people and abilities, and you don’t necessarily have to be the fastest runner to do well! I love how much of a social sport orienteering is, I’ve made my best friends through orienteering. What makes it even more special is having so many amazing women role models in the sport to look up to’

Thank you to all the women who contributed to this article. Happy International Women’s Day from Scottish Orienteering!