A mountain of inequalities: York St John academic campaigns to raise the profile of women in mountaineering

In May 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to summit Everest, but her incredible story is still unknown to many. Fifty years on from this achievement, Dr Jenny Hall, Associate Professor at York St John University and amateur mountaineer, is working to get Junko’s story heard and to raise the profile of women in a high-altitude man’s world.  

This autumn, Dr Hall, alongside Everest summiteers Jo Bradshaw and Tori James, is opening Kendal Mountain Film Festival 2025. The launch event and panel discussion will honour Junko’s legacy and shine a spotlight on the women hidden in the history of high-altitude mountaineering. 

Dr Hall is a leading expert on inclusion in mountain tourism and researches the experiences of contemporary and historical adventurers. She is also a contributing author to Other Everests, exploring the wider social and cultural history of the mountain. 

She said: 

“For too long, adventure has been portrayed through a narrow lens: white, fit, fearless... and male. The narrative of high-altitude heroism has too often been a half-told story—epic feats sold as exclusive, elite, and out of reach for the rest of us. But what about the female achievements? What about the women who have summited, endured, and led, quietly and powerfully, through the thin air of history?  

“If you don’t see your face reflected, it becomes a daunting prospect to imagine yourself in mountaineering – whether as a mountain guide, or an amateur mountaineer like me.” 

The launch event includes a screening of More Than A Mountain, a documentary following fifteen women retracing Junko’s path on Nepal’s Yala Peak. York St John University is one of the film’s key sponsors. 

Jo Bradshaw, Everest summiteer and expedition leader said:

“I am so excited to be sharing our film More Than A Mountain and to dedicate an evening at Kendal Mountain Festival to women hidden in history. 

“We’ll be celebrating Junko Tabei — the first woman to summit Everest — and every woman whose name remains in the shadows. Past, present and future, here’s to the women who push boundaries, break barriers, and keep climbing no matter what.” 

Read more from Dr Jenny Hall in The Conversation Fifty years ago, Junko Tabei became the first woman to summit Everest – why do so few people know her story?

Booking for the Kendal Mountain Film Festival is via  Programme | 2025 Kendal Mountain Festival

You can donate to the film via JustGiving

Image shows Junko Tabei's ascent of Everest in May 1975. Credit: The Junk Tabei Foundation