1. Lack of Training and Education
“Personally, I’m afraid of the amount of time I’d need to put in to carry safely with three kids.”
About 60 percent of the women who responded to my question cited a lack of education and training as their most significant barrier. Within this set of answers, I noticed three major hurdles.
First, training is expensive. Hiring an instructor and buying a firearm and ammo is costly. Some women said they didn’t have the money, while others noted they weren’t willing to incur the costs at this time.
Secondly, training takes time. Although I don’t have children, I would guess at least 75 percent of my female followers are moms. Many said they don’t have much free time, so getting away to train is hard. A few women replied that they’d feel guilty or selfish about taking time to train. Others pointed out that it’s difficult and costly to schedule babysitters.
And the third theme is that women struggle to find the right instructor. One respondent said, “I haven’t found a class to learn that didn’t make me feel dumb for asking questions as an adult.” That reply saddens me, but it’s not my first time hearing this story. There are simply not enough female-friendly classes that help women feel comfortable learning about an intimidating subject.
Most believed they didn’t know enough about guns to safely carry one daily. These women know training is the best way to build skills and confidence. But, without the time, money, or access to training, they still fear guns.
2. Safety Around Kids
“I have six kids under the age of 9, and I’m always wearing one of them. But they are the reason why I want to carry.”
The next most common reply centered on children. In fact, many women said their kids are both the reason they don’t carry but also the reason they would want to start carrying. They’re aware of the dangers that lurk even though they’re still unsure how to safely manage guns around children.
Moms of babies struggle to understand how they can carry safely while holding their little ones on their hip. Toddler moms struggle to see how it’s safe to carry when little hands are constantly grabbing at their waist, and in general, moms worry a lot about safe storage with kids of all ages in the home.
Several women noted it’s been suggested that they carry off-body, but they didn’t feel comfortable doing so. The chance that their curious kids could access the firearm relatively easily in a bag isn’t one they're willing to take.
Many replies also included confusion about firearms safety education for children. These mothers needed guidance on what age to begin or how to broach the subject properly. Overall, they feel this is a tricky subject they’re not qualified to teach.
3. Concealed Carry Is Trickier For Women
“My body shape makes it extremely hard to carry concealed.”
The third most common reply was about concealment, which didn’t surprise me. At least a couple of times a week, I’m asked how the heck I carry in leggings. Women want to carry without changing their style and wardrobe.
Although the basic principles of concealed carry are the same for men, the execution can be trickier for women. Our bodies are different in shape and size, and women experience pregnancy, monthly cycles, and more. We also tend to wear a variety of outfits compared to men, including feminine clothing like dresses that simply weren’t designed for hiding a firearm.
Related: Do I Have to Ditch My Personal Style to Carry Concealed?
Several women noted that they don’t know where to start because it seems overwhelming to figure out which holster works best for them without spending hundreds of dollars. When I began carrying 13 years ago, there were hardly any options, but I still spent a lot of money on holsters that didn’t work. Now, there are more options, but it can feel paralyzing to the lay person.
Related: How To Pull Off Appendix Carry in Dresses and Skirts
Others pointed out that their shape and even body image made it hard to conceal. They want to look feminine and feel good, and hiding a giant piece of metal inside their waistband seems counterintuitive. Printing is one of those things that takes practice and trial and error to overcome, which can be daunting for a woman with a lot on her plate.
Conclusion
Reading all the answers to my question reminded me that women think differently than men regarding concealed carry. We want to learn everything before starting, whereas men are likelier to jump in and learn as they go. That’s not to say one way is better, but perhaps some of these insights will help create more female-friendly spaces in the gun community for women to learn to defend themselves.
