Hikes4Happiness kicks off: supporting women’s wellbeing through sport and nature

Did you know that:

  • When measuring aerobic physical activity (e.g., walking, hiking, cycling), only 29 % of women achieved at least 150 minutes per week (European Commission);
  • In a Europe-wide study on women’s experience in sport, about 44 % of women reported not always feeling safe (ENGSO);
  • In research on teenage girls and outdoor exercise in parks and green spaces, about half reported feeling unsafe in local parks (Women in Sport UK)?

A new European initiative is officially underway, bringing together hiking, health education, and environmental awareness to support women’s mental, physical, and social wellbeing.

 

Hikes for Happiness: Women’s Mental and Physical Wellbeing Through Sport and Nature promotes an inclusive, greener, and more connected society by encouraging women of all ages and backgrounds to take part in health-enhancing outdoor activities. The project combines accessible hiking experiences with educational workshops on topics such as health, nutrition, diversity, and inclusion, while also promoting environmentally responsible “green” sport practices.

At its heart, Hikes for Happiness is about more than exercise. It is about building confidence, strengthening community, and helping women reconnect with nature — in ways that support wellbeing and long-term healthy habits.


Throughout the project, partners will deliver a range of activities designed to engage women locally and internationally. Key actions include:

  • Two international hiking exchanges, creating opportunities for women to meet, hike, and learn across borders
  • National educational workshops, focusing on women’s health and gender equality in relation to sport and nature
  • The development of a Hiking for Health handbook, offering practical tools and guidance for sustaining healthy lifestyles
  • A series of communication campaigns, sharing project messages, stories, and outcomes with wider communities


These activities are designed to create lasting impact, helping participants develop knowledge and skills that continue beyond the project lifespan.


The project directly addresses the Erasmus+ priority of Encouraging healthy lifestyles for all, with a focus on promoting active lifestyles, improving public health, and reducing barriers to participation in sport and physical activity.

Hikes for Happiness is closely aligned with this priority through its commitment to:

 

  • Promoting women’s participation in health-enhancing physical activity, using hiking as an accessible and enjoyable activity
  • Raising awareness of the connection between physical activity and mental health, and supporting women’s wellbeing through dedicated workshops
  • Encouraging inclusive outdoor sport, ensuring activities are welcoming for women of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds
  • Strengthening social connection by creating opportunities for women to bond, network, and reduce isolation
  • Supporting lifelong learning by providing participants with practical knowledge on wellbeing, nutrition, and healthy routines
  • Promoting environmentally responsible sport practices and empowering women as leaders in sustainability
  • Raising awareness of climate action and respect for nature through outdoor learning experiences
  • Offering pathways to digital literacy, including the use of online tools and platforms to track, share, and communicate physical activity

Hikes for Happiness is delivered by a diverse partnership of organisations committed to women’s empowerment, sport, and wellbeing.

 

The project is coordinated by Activ’Elles04 (France) and delivered in collaboration with:

Finlands Svenska Idrott (Finland), Sirvintu sporto klubas (Lithuania) and Institut Impact (Slovenia).

 

Together, the partners will create opportunities for women across Europe to engage in outdoor sport, learn new skills, connect with others, and strengthen their wellbeing — all while supporting greener and more inclusive communities.