Daily Times

The feminist movements always fan the insecurities of the patriarchal stakeholders of our society. Recently, the third annual ‘Girls on Bikes’ rally took place in Pakistan, on Sunday. Unfortunately, the reaction on it by misogynists was no different.

The reaction to this rally seems pretty similar to that on women’s march where certain slogans and their practicality was questioned.

‘Girls on Bike’ rally is a part of feminist movement organised by ‘Girls at Dhabas’. The rallies were held in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. This rally was an attempt to claim the public space for women. It was an assertion of female’s right to public spaces through cycling and occupying the road of major cities.

However, not everyone viewed it as a productive step. Many people took to social media to express their ‘disappointment’. Yes, it is 21st century and people still think women on bicycles spread immorality.

A twitter user Zainab was certainly more concerned about the lack of dress code. She tweeted: “Tbh I don’t mind a girl biking, all I’m saying is that okay fine, if you want empowerment in this way then let it be but at least cover yourself. If you don’t want to then just don’t cry after you’re harassed”

As the debate on feminism in Pakistan continues on social media, one thing we need to focus on is allowing genders their space in community

Seeing men unhappy about women rallies is a common sight. This user, M Khan was worried that this is something more of a ‘Western agenda’. He wrote, “where slaves feel proud to copy their master “#ImperialisedSociety #Pakistan #Girlsonbikes”

‘Girl on Bikes’ came up with rather interesting slogans, but it is disappointing that people on social media criticised them instead of expressing solidarity with women trying to reclaim public space. It goes to show that misogyny is still deep-rooted in the society and that a woman taking control of something is considered as a threat.

Shahzab Durrani was certainly not comfortable with these slogans, “they are doing good but the labels they are putting on their necks are not appropriate”.

There were people who couldn’t even understand the significance of such a rally. Dayaani Rahmani wrote: “Um, what’s there to be proud of? I don’t see who was stopping them from riding bikes in the first place.”

Women are leading practically every field. A human who is able to manage everything, the one who carries the miracle of birth is being shamed for riding a mere bicycle. Maryam Umer, however, felt the same. She wrote: “Why these males and unfortunately some females even, make every news related to girls a gender havoc. i mean come on !!!we are a specie living on this planet doing much better in every field!”

Certainly with so much criticism, there were quite a few people who came forward with their support.

A twitter user, Hina Safdar wrote: Harassment is not Ok. It has nothing to do with a girl riding a bike or covering herself. It is a mentality that needs to die”.

Not only females, even some males also extended their support. Shayan Ali wrote: “Proud moments for our nation #Girlsonbike”.

Girls riding bicycle is not a new trend then why so much havoc over something that already existed in our past as normal?

Sana Gillani, a participant, wrote: “Loved the energy at the #girlsonbikes Event that was organised by @girlsatdhabas These amazing girls got together celebrities, aunties, grandmother’s and lots and lots of girls (including one under ten years) completely astonishing us all. What works for me is the freedom I felt cycling on one of Lahore’s busiest roads, and just remembering my childhood when things were simpler. Can’t wait to buy a bicycle now, time to reclaim the roads”.

Facebook user, Anum Naseer, wrote: “As with any occasion that women start getting media attention, we see a group of hyper-concerned individuals speaking up for a woman’s izzat and her self-respect by denouncing these activities as ‘besharami’, ‘alienation from religion’, or simply ‘west-influenced ignorance’. Let’s get one fact straight: Asking for freedom of movement is in no way a concern that is exclusive from the other fundamental rights that feminists ask for, nor is it an issue that should be restricted to western or non-religious women. #girlsonbikes #morepowertoyouwomen”.

As the debate on feminism continues on social media, one thing we need to focus on is allowing genders their space in community. More power to the women trying to reclaim public space which was long occupied by men.

Published in Daily Times, April 7^th 2018.