Written by: Mehr Jan
Posted on: December 11, 2020 | 
| 中文
The riders at the closing ceremony of one of the rallies
Within a patriarchal society, in which women are often forced into in gender stereotypical norms, it is a refreshing sight to see women confidently hit the roads on motorbikes, that too in proud ‘pink jackets’.
Bikers Chatting Before a Rally
Pakistan is still one of the worst countries in the index of female mobility, for to move around the city without social hindrance is a difficult task. However, thanks to groundbreaking female empowerment initiatives like ‘Pink Riders’, it seems a paradigm shift is finally in the works. It is one that allows women to exercise their freedom of expression, combat gender inequality and strive to normalize taboo ideas of female mobility.
Crushing the stigma that limits women’s commute either to car or public transport, Pink Riders was founded on 16th September, 2018. It is the brain-child of founder Payyam-e-Khurram, and a growing initiative which trains and encourages women to hit the road on a two-wheeler vehicle with full confidence. It had its humble beginnings with 10 riders in Karachi, and now the number of its trained independent riders has reached 4000 all over the country. This includes celebrities, transgender citizens, police officials, military officials as well as foreigners and dignitaries, all trained by the Pink Riders.
Actor Mahira Khan receiving her certificate after completing her training
However, this change did not come easy.
Traditional notions indicate that women should only be limited to the backseat of a motorcycle, usually sitting 'side saddle' in a feminine manner. The idea of a woman taking charge of a motorcycle or even a scooter, is still largely frowned upon or ridiculed. Even when there are global trends towards encouraging more women in public spaces, Pakistan has a long-standing history of restricting access in the name of propriety.
While one does see the occasional female motorcycle driver on the roads in Pakistan, these women are there due to unavoidable circumstances, or the realization that hitching a ride every time isn’t working out for them. They are unfortunately met with harassment of various kinds: groping, threatening or racing past the female riders in demeaning ways is a common occurrence, which unfortunately, was not confronted or reported in many cases. But even more so, according to a number of surveys reported last year, the thought of women riding motorcycles was still seen as unpalatable for the general public. Riders is providing women the drive to challenge these cultural norms by putting on their helmets with confidence and capability.
Two Riders Proudly Showing off their bikes
Speaking to Youlin, Payyam-e-Khurram explained that the organization promotes independence on the road. With millions needing to reach various destinations throughout the day, our crowded roads are inadequate to entertain the public with good quality transit. For the 1 per cent of women who can actually afford Uber or Careem on a regular basis, that also imposes its own complications and security concerns. The lack of safe and accessible transportation facilities is also a contributing factor to causing limitations on work opportunities, pursuing higher education and venturing into less familiar parts of the city.
“Riding on their own, reaching anywhere and everywhere without spending hefty amounts of money, is the aim,” explains the founder. Reflecting on how during the early stages of the ‘Pink Riders’ initiative, they were met with criticism and hostility, he confessed that it was the toughest part of the start-up. “Initially it was discouraging as expected. However, as women riding motorbikes became a familiar sight [in Karachi], it came to be viewed in a positive light.”
Payyam-e-Khurram with a group of riders
He also hinted at how creating awareness amongst the riders was also a difficult task. “Managing a crowd of women, making them believe that they can ride motorbikes even though they have never even ridden a bicycle, was a daunting task. But now, everyone can see the results of the effort.”
Equipped with proper safety gear, including elbow and knee pads, the riders don their signature pink jackets on special occasions. They regularly hold special rallies that encourage riders and their supporters to travel through parts of the city without fear or trepidation. Aside from getting together for rallies and events to boost their confidence, the riders also regularly join the founder for multiple training sessions on the open road.
Participants Completing a Bike Training Rally -
The training is encouraging and extensive, which starts with simple balance skills and progresses to learning all the dynamics to riding with confidence on a heavy, noisy road, and not being daunted by the gaze of surprised bystanders. Pakistan still has a long way to go in terms of changing social norms and normalizing extensive female mobility. But when women have the willingness to challenge the restricting stereotypical role imposed on to them, and ride against notions of what is seen as ‘proper’ for a woman, there is hope for change.
Those interested, can follow the Pink Riders on Facebook and Instagram, and can be reach out for training sessions and inquiries on upcoming rallies and events.
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