Project Description
Our short documentary film delves into the world of women in the 4WD community, shedding light on their experiences within a male-dominated industry. Through collaboration with Chics off-road 4x4 and Auckland Off-road Adventure Park, we sought to capture the stories of these women using video and photographic practices.
COR aims to inspire and empower women who are interested in 4WDing, create a sense of community, and challenge the preconceptions surrounding this vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle. By showcasing the strength, camaraderie, and personal growth within the Chics off-road 4x4 girls and the wider COR4x4 community, we hope to foster a supportive environment that encourages more women to embark on their own 4WD adventures.
In this documentary, we address the challenging nature of the industry, where women occupy a relatively small space and face various obstacles in learning and participating in 4WD activities. Learning the art of fixing, maintaining, and modifying their trucks, as well as the intricacies of off-road driving such as track selection, gear usage, and adapting to different terrains, requires extensive knowledge and practice. By collaborating with the Chics off-road 4x4 girls, we discovered that our project extended beyond a mere documentation of their activities. It became a transformative journey, empowering women to build confidence, cultivate new friendships whilst having tremendous fun.
Through the medium of film, we aim to raise awareness about the broader scope of 4WDing beyond its often-misunderstood reputation. It encompasses travel, camping, exploration, and rich experiences. However, for women, entering this industry can be daunting, and intimidating. Starting out on your own and finding support and building your confidence can be challenging. This is where the Chics off-road 4x4 community have played a pivotal role. They have created a nurturing environment, enabling women to break free from their shells, develop skills, and find their voice in the 4WD world.
As the director of this documentary, I brought a basic lens based practice and interview plan to the table. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the participants, I carefully curated a variety of questions that allowed them to share their stories with a sense of lightness and fun. The COR4x4 gals embraced the project with enthusiasm, demonstrating a can-do attitude and an open-mindedness that made the collaboration truly meaningful.
Overall, our short documentary represents the power of collaboration, giving voice to women in the 4WD world and celebrating their triumphs, challenges, and shared passion for exploration and self-discovery.
Interviewing the creators & owners of COR4X4
Hayley Dekleer - COR4X4 owner
How was COR4X4 born? Why did you create COR4X4?
Cor originated as a simple Instagram account I made in September 2020. My original goal with making the account was only to get the girls in my local town (Geraldton Western Australia) to come together to go 4wding. Because being a young girl wanting to 4wd isn’t exactly the easiest task when it’s such a male dominated activity / industry. I wanted to wheel with girls and feel comfortable. But about a month after making the account I had girls from all over Australia follow. They started to tag COR and hashtag COR. So I started sharing their posts on the feed. Then I had girls asking if we planned to run events. I then had girls asking to run said events as admin.So I started putting on admins and running events. Then I was asked to create stickers and so I started up the website and the rest is history!
What is COR4X4?
COR4x4 is a woman’s offroad group. That focuses on women empowerment.
What is your favourite part of COR4X4?
My favourite part of cor is meeting all the amazing like minded women I get to meet & the bonds I share with them.
Have you faced any challenges since COR4X4 started?
I’ve faced a bit of gender bias but it’s never been anything too difficult. when I say gender bias I mean just a few remarks made by men ( or should I say boys ) toward the group. But other than that the group has always been easy to run.
Did you expect COR4X4 to grow like it has?
Since 2020 we’ve been on a steady incline. So I hope we can continue to grow and reach even more women! Judging by the trend in members lately I think the incline will stay steady :)
How do you think the outside world views COR4X4?
As someone who is heavily involved in cor I have no idea ! I’ve had such great comments from parents of members and partners of members and businesses are always willing to give us a helping hand or to help promote us which is amazing!
One of the members partners told me, “I’m so glad she joined COR. Ever since joining she’s really gained so much confidence and seems to have found some great friends.” So I hope the outside world views us as positive!
What are COR4X4 morals or goals?
Our moto is, “Empowering women one track at a time.” Which is our first and foremost goal. All of our admins are vetted and we ensure that they are patient, compassionate and respectful people, women who want to help educate, empower & support other women.
We take pride in our inclusiveness & our passion to lift up other women.
We want to break the bias. We want to made the 4wd, camping, touring community and industry a place for everyone - for men and women alike.
We want to break down the stereotype that men should be behind the wheel.
Most of our members when getting in or out of their car gets the classic, “Is that your boyfriends car.” We want to put an end to the misconception can women can’t be apart of this community.
Samantha Taylor Sabrina - COR4X4 owner
What is your favourite part of COR4X4?
The best part of Chics Off Road is knowing that because of us there are girls out there that have been empowered to get out on the tracks and have a crack at 4wding! There is no better feeling than seeing someone’s face light up after tackling a challenge they thought they couldn’t do. I’m so proud of our admins and members that are supportive and encouraging to those that needed it.
Have you faced any challenges since COR4X4 started?
Hayley and I have so many ideas and goals for Chics Off Road that we would love to be able to implement but as we both work in trades and manage the day-to-day or COR it can be difficult to find extra time in the day to work on new things. Ideally we’d quit our jobs and COR4x4 would be our full-time jobs but with the rising cost of living that’s just not something that’s on the cards.
Another thing I’ve noticed with the current financial situation is a lot of members have been feeling the pinch and 4wding becomes less attainable as an activity for them. We often have alternative types of events that are less impactful on the wallet for those that would still like to meet up with the girls.
Did you expect COR4X4 to grow like it has?
I never in a million years thought we would be where we are today! We started as a handful of girls at Bunnings with 4wds in regional WA and now we have an incredible network of women across Australia and New Zealand!!! I still get amazed at what COR4x4 is and what we have done for female 4wding.
How do you think the outside world views COR4X4?
The 4wd scene is a very interesting place; it can be so supportive and a great community of like minded people but can also be very competitive and judgmental at the same time. I used to be very worried about what others thought about us and spent lots of time on our socials. But it got to a point where I read into every negative comment and was comparing ourselves to others ‘doing well’ that it overwhelmed me. I realised that I shouldn’t be worried about what others were doing because the whole point of Chics Off Road was to be a place that was different. A place that was welcoming and safe for women that wanted to 4wd. These days I am only focused on what we are doing because I know that COR4x4 is an amazing place and that will speak for itself.
What are COR4X4 morals or goals?
Our main purpose for Chics Off Road 4x4 is to be a safe space for women. Somewhere free of judgment and harassment, somewhere where you can ask questions without fear of feeling like you’re stupid because you’re new and learning.
We implement a very strict zero tolerance policy towards bullying and harassment to protect our members.
I am so proud of what COR4x4 has become and could never have imagined how it’s changed my life. I have made so many friends and done some amazing things all because of it and I can never be thankful enough.
Practice Interview with Celeste Knighton - New Zealand COR4X4 leader
Girls Day Out event info!
Saturday 27th May
Auckland Off-road Adventure Park
8:45am-4:00pm
Chic's Offroad Gals & supporters:
Ayla May Crawford
Soraya Tuffery
Jeroen Peters
Janet Knighton
Celeste Knighton
Phililpa Beattie
Charlotte Kedzlie
India Kedzlie
Jamie MacAllister
Kelcie Mills
Grace Hellesoe
Cory Nisbet
Danielle Williams
Rosemary Willis
Matt Ferrera
Hayley Dekleer
Samantha Taylor Sabrina
Photography from the event
