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Dozens participate in all-women bike rallies across Pakistan

Dozens participate in all-women bike rallies across Pakistan

The Girls at Dhabas movement was established to encourage women to repossess accessibility of streets and public spaces
Updated 02 Apr, 2018

The third annual bike rally by Girls at Dhabas started off on Sunday. The rally is an initiative aimed at collectively asserting a woman’s right to navigate and hence reclaim public spaces on her terms.

The event encourages women in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad to challenge the dominant mindset that it is inappropriate for a woman to exercise her freedom of mobility.

The rally was first started two years ago in solidarity with Aneeqa Ali, a cyclist in Lahore who was harassed and injured for riding her bike. The event triggered debate and condemnation for the misogynistic and sexist comments and actions of those who had harassed her and the idea that women should use cycling to empower themselves became intriguing and urgent.

Photo: Faran Rafi/Twitter
Photo: Faran Rafi/Twitter

The positive response to the rally led to women cyclist chapters to be formed in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad simultaneously. The Islamabad chapter is led by Meharbano Raja in collaboration with CYKIQ, a Nust student start up which provided bicycles for rent.

The 1.5 hour bicycle ride started from Attaturk Avenue in the evening and went down main Margalla Road, the F-6 Markaz and then to the starting point again.

The rally consisted of about 30 or 40 women of all age groups, nationalities and with varying cycling skills.

“Today, we are here to support one another in promoting women empowerment, recognition and inclusion in society. We are here to motivate one another through support,” said a participant of the rally, Sana.

Photo: Faran Rafi/Twitter
Photo: Faran Rafi/Twitter

Several other women participating in the rally said the issue of street harassment that women face is seldom given importance.

“People often dismiss it by referring to catcalling in a funny way or for it to be taken as flattery or worse, when the woman is blamed for the harassment she endures,” another cyclist said.

“The Girls at Dhabas movement was established in order to encourage women to repossess accessibility of streets and dhabas and other public places they are not ‘meant to go’. It has received great response for its rallies,” Ms Raja said.


Originally published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2018

Comments

Raja Mohanty Apr 02, 2018 10:21am
i really appreciate this tectonic change coming in Pakisthan and pray almighty that the country should come out of the stranglehold of 'what-mullah-wants' condition as we get to rid there. This is also happening in my country India in the name of fatwa and cry against triple talaq. I welcome this as an Indian and kudos to the ladies who are defying patriarchy and taking a stride on the road to unshackle the shackle. Raja Mohanty
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jaredlee67 Apr 02, 2018 10:48am
A good idea but it should be promoted as an anti-patriarchy movement.
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MFK Apr 02, 2018 12:52pm
Just a question are we not replacing 'women have no place in public places' with ' men have no place in our rallies'. Is this movement for equality or replacing patriarchy with matriarchy.
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ali Apr 02, 2018 01:34pm
Well done sisters, keep it up.
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Alba Apr 02, 2018 01:56pm
It was a good idea. They feel like human beings now.
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Muzzammil Apr 02, 2018 02:15pm
Well done. But isn't it segregation!?
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Dil Say Pakistani Man Apr 02, 2018 04:43pm
We are with you. Keep it up. Few men can't suppress you brave ladies.
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