Students gathered at the climbing wall inside the Sonoma State University Recreation Center for Women on the Wall, a monthly event designed to bring female-identifying students together through rock climbing.
The event focuses on creating a supportive and welcoming space for women of all skill levels. According to the event flyer, Women on the Wall is meant to create a safe environment while helping build a stronger female climbing community on campus.
For some students, the event offers something they feel is missing in other spaces.
“For me, I think it’s a great outlet for women,” said Macayla Sedeno, a communications major in her final semester. “I don’t believe there has been something inclusive that I’ve been a part of on campus. I really like the environment, and it feels very comfortable being here with other women, especially in an outlet like rock climbing.”
Sedeno said the event welcomes climbers at every level, including those trying it for the first time.
“I believe you should try it once,” Sedeno said. “It is something to not be afraid of. You see all different levels here and everyone is very encouraging, so there is no shame if you are a first timer.”
Amanda Davis, a communications and art studio major also in her final semester, said the event helps create a space where women can climb while supporting one another.
“Women on the Wall is a space for women to get to come together and climb in a female, empowering environment,” Davis said. “A lot of the time there is some male-dominating energy, so it’s really nice to be able to have a space where women can just come and support each other and feel safe to climb.”
Davis added that the recreation center staff and the community help make the experience welcoming for new climbers.
“We have a super friendly staff and it’s a welcoming community,” Davis said. “Everything is free, so you should just come and try it out.
For students who may feel intimidated by climbing, Davis said the supportive environment makes it easier to get started.
“Rock climbing is a sport for everybody,” Davis said. “A lot of sports are male dominated, and climbing can be like that too, but the community around it is really empowering.”
Mariah Gragg, a communications major in her final semester, said the event is also about staying active while meeting others.
“Women on the Wall is a very welcoming environment and it’s really about getting together and getting fit,” Gragg said.
Her advice for beginners is simple.
“Doing it scared is just as brave,” Gragg said. “The first part of being good at something is to try it and to suck at it.”
Held monthly at the recreation center, Women on the Wall continues to give students a chance to try something new while building a supportive community on campus.
