Femininity Abroad

 

Some women and femme-presenting students from U.S. campus environments may have a hard time adjusting to attitudes they encounter abroad, in both public and private settings. In some countries, it is not uncommon for women and femme-presenting people to be honked at, stared at, verbally and loudly appraised, or to be aggressively addressed in other ways. U.S. women and femme-presenting folks are especially likely to get this treatment simply because they may look different. The attention can feel flattering, scary, or just irritating. Local women and femme-presenting people who often get the same sort of treatment will likely have developed culturally informed strategies for dealing with it. Some simply ignore it, while others understand how to "avoid" or "pre-empt" it. For example, eye contact or smiling between strangers passing in the street can send a message there that it doesn't in the U.S., so local women and femmes will avoid doing so.

Learning to adjust to the unwritten rules about what you can and cannot do abroad is part of the Cultural Adjustment process.  Femme-presenting folks and women can provide support for each other, and former students suggest that you get together several times early in your stay to talk about how to deal with the unwanted attention. U.S. women and femmes are seen as “liberated” in many ways, and sometimes the cultural misunderstandings that come out of this image can lead to difficult and unpleasant experiences.

While it is more easily said than done, try to learn about the messages you may be unintentionally communicating. Appropriate behavior for young women and femme-presenting people varies from culture to culture, and even within a single culture. Some cultures have well-defined gender roles, while others restrict certain activities for women. You may find that behavior and dress that are acceptable in major cities are inappropriate in rural areas. Sometimes, though, just the opposite is true, and behavior is more relaxed outside of metropolitan areas.

Observe how local women and femmes your age act and dress, and try to do likewise insofar as you are comfortable. Observe the locals; see how they react to certain situations by avoiding and turning away unwanted attention. However, if your intuition tells you a situation is dangerous, then act as if it is. Your safety and well-being is the top priority; you have every right to remove yourself from situations that make you uncomfortable or feel dangerous. Adapting to this aspect of a new culture can be unpleasant, frustrating, challenging, or scary and to some extent, these feelings are simply part of cultural learning. But remember to always take precautions to keep yourself safe, be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts.
 

Questions to Consider

• What are potential attitudes towards gender in my host culture?
• ?What are the society’s perceptions and expectations for men, women and/or transgender individuals in my host country (compared to my home culture)?
• What are potential gender stereotypes of U.S. Americans in my host country?
• What are the gender-based differences in political and social power?
• How do my personal values compare with my host country’s attitudes about socially accepted gender roles?

Additional Resources

• Diversity Abroad - Women Abroad
• Her Own Way - A Woman's Safe-Travel Guide
• U.S. State Department's website for Women Travelers
• NY Times article on safe travel for women

 

Loyola student perspectives

Loyola student in Argentina

For women, I would say to be extra careful and safe especially if you are going to a country where you look very different from the local people. Being a foreigner and a woman, you will get a lot of attention so just take note of your surroundings and be aware. You can definitely have fun but you have to be more careful than you would in the States.
Loyola student in Mexico City, Mexico

If you find these resources useful, have helpful resources we should consider adding, or have questions or comments about this page, let us know at cie@loyno.edu.

Updated 3/2/21 by Shosh Pojawa (CIE Peer Advisor, AY20-21)