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An empowered woman generally has mobility independence. Freedom of movement is one of the ways through which women can achieve economic independence. By training 400 women in Sindh to ride bikes, we are proud that we managed to do just that!
We supported Salman Sufi Foundation (SSF) initiative, Women on Wheels (WOW). The initiative is not just teaching women to ride bikes, but is also creating general awareness on road safety and regulations. More importantly, it included empowering women financially by providing jobs such as delivery service providers through partnerships with private sector companies.
Apart from equipping women with the necessary and relevant skills to ride bikes, SSF also signed MoUs with private corporations like Careem, Cheetay and Bykea, who have agreed to employ WOW trainees once they have obtained their official driving licenses. Through this initiative, a Women’s Safety Application has also been developed, which is an innovative intervention in the wider discourse on women’s safety in the public sphere in Pakistan.
We’re pleased to share the story of Farkhunda Feroz, who belongs to Karachi.
‘I heard about this initiative through Facebook. I joined the training, which lasted for three months. They helped us with the licenses.’ Said Farkhunda. ‘I received a lot of appreciation for this. I would encourage women to learn to ride bikes as well. It helps with mobility and freedom.’
She is currently working with the Government of Sindh, in the vaccination department. Farkhanda goes to work on her scooty which she bought after completing her training.
