A group of girls prepare for their first bicycle ride on the campus. PHOTO: SHAMSUL ISLAM/EXPRESS
The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on Wednesday launched a programme to provide 500 bicycles to women. As many as 100 bicycles were distributed in the first phase of the programme.
Sonia Sarwar, one of the recipients, said, “A woman on a bicycle may not be unusual in most parts of the world, but it is anomaly in our country.”
She said the bicycle appeared to symbolise freedom to her. “It will help us move on the campus conveniently.”
She said most girls did not ride bicycles because no one thought they would want to ride. “If our brothers can ride, so can we.”
Amna Amir, another recipient if a bike, said she was very excited.
“I don’t know how to ride. Today I make my first attempt,” she said. She said riding the bicycle within the campus would help her get to her classes quickly. “It will also teach me a new skill.”
She thanked the university administration for launching the project. “Women empowerment should be encouraged at universities.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 4th, 2015.
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