Women bike rally pushes for independent mobility

Organisers emphasise on providing equal opportunities for women in all walks of life

KARACHI:

Over 150 women revved their two-wheelers and rolled out on Sunday in a rally organised by the Sindh Rangers as part of International Women's Day celebrations.

The Women's Bike Rally started from UBL Sports Complex went on to Shafiq Mor and back. The First Women's Open Football Tournament was also held at the sports complex. Karachi Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Memon was present at the occasion along with senior Rangers officers, and officials of the city.

The organisers emphasised on providing equal opportunities for women in all walks of life and said that there should be continuous struggle for women's rights and equal employment opportunities for them. Women taking part in the rally were of the opinion that going about in busses and Chingchi rickshaws was time consuming and cumbersome with all pushing and shoving involved.

A motorcycle is considered the most economical ride in the city, they said. While many turned out on the popular 70cc two-wheelers, some were on the scooties exclusively designed for women and few were on 125cc and heavier bikes. Women at the rally said gone are the days when women working alongside men was considered a taboo.

The rally, organized in collaboration with Rangers Sindh, was aimed at giving women a sense of security outside the home. The event was attended by successful women from different walks of life. Honorary shields and gifts were also distributed at the end of the ceremony