To make the public used to the sight of girls riding bikes, women were invited for a bicycle rally on Sunday. The idea came after Aneeqa Ali, a girl from Lahore, was hit and injured by a bunch of hooligans while she was riding a bike in the city. She was on her way to join Critical Mass Lahore (CML), a cycling group that meets every Sunday to cycle around the city.
Noor Rehman, who came up with the idea, said that she wanted to change how women are perceived when they are on roads, “I always wanted women to be able to travel to different places on their own, never depending on male members. While taking public transport they often face harassment and they feel uncomfortable when they are in public. I wanted to change that.”
Noor is also a member of CML. Male members of the CML offered to lend their bikes to the girls who wanted to be part of the rally but didn’t have a bike.
“When more girls come out on the roads, more people will be used to looking at girls on the streets. Most of us feel very scared when we are on the streets,” said Saleha, one of the organisers.
Aneeqa Ali, the girl in whose support the event was put up, was heartened to see a lot of girls coming up and felt that the incident was probably a blessing in disguise. “We (Critical Mass Lahore group) have been cycling in Lahore since 2008. In the recent years a lot of beginners have started showing up. More females do show up now but it is the first time we have seen such a large number of women and girls show up for a particular ride.”
Those who wanted to participate were asked to gather outside Jalal Sons in Main Market at 9:45 AM. Girls were very excited to be a part of the event.
Saira Rahim, a student of B.Com, who participated in the event said, “I am here to encourage and motivate the women who are afraid to do things they want to do, fearing the reaction from the negative elements of the society.”
Angela Williams, the principal of Bloomfield Hall school said, “I am glad that such an event is taking place and it is high time that women reclaim the streets and are able to as go out without the fear of being attacked or having acid thrown on their faces or being ridiculed for having the freedom of movement which is everyone’s right.” Her daughter participated in the rally.
Girls participated in the rally with the hope to bring change. “I think it is really good way to express solidarity with the girl who was victimised and I hope this initiative will help change people’s perception of women on the streets. I hope this would bring a positive change or at least makes the girl and her family feel that she is not alone,” said Alivia Casa who is a student and lives in London.
The ride started from Main Market going through Main Boulevard, Jail Road, Canal Road and back to Main Market.
Men were also present on the occasion to show support for the cause and many praised the initiative.
A peace activist Tahir Malik said, “In the 1960s when we lived in Lahore, my sister used to ride a bike from Gulberg to Kinnaird College and she was not the only one. There were several girls coming from Ghari Shahu and many other places. We have deliberately given up our space to people who can push us off the roads and streets and want to make sure that we stay at our homes.”
Muhammad Abdul Gafoor, a retired colonel, agreed with Tahir. “I fully endorse and support all that has been said. We need to reclaim the roads regardless of the gender,” he said.
David, a student in Germany came to Pakistan to attend a wedding. When he heard about the rally he decided to take part.“I am here to support the cause. As soon as I heard this was going on I took some time out to be a part of it. I think it’s very timely. This is what the women of Lahore want that they take their streets and demonstrate what they feel is necessary for their transportation and safety, ” he said.
Girls on Bike was a small initiative aimed at reclaiming public spaces for girls. Osheen Fatima who is part of the organising team said, “This is our space as much as anyone else’s. We are not saying that the harassment that women have to face will stop after this rally. There is a long way to go. But this step is certainly symbolic.”
Osheen was of the view that education can help change the mindset that sees women as inferior. People need to be taught that women are an equal part of the world, she said.
