- The Pink Riders motorcycle training institute, founded by Payyam-e-Khurram, is empowering women by providing motorcycle training, enabling them to break societal norms and foster independence.
- Pink Riders, initially met with skepticism, has now graduated nearly 10,000 women, challenging conservative norms and expanding to five cities.
- Despite societal disapproval, women have found newfound freedom and economic opportunities through motorcycle riding, reshaping perceptions in Karachi.
In Karachi, the Pink Riders motorcycle training institute for women is helping women break barriers against sexism and empowering them to ride a two-wheeler, fostering independence.
A working woman, Madiha Khan was faced with circumstances beyond her control when her husband fell ill, leaving him partially paralyzed. She struggled with family responsibilities and no income, so she defied societal norms and decided to ride her husband’s motorcycle despite opposition she faced from her family, in-laws and the neighbouring community.
Pink Riders has over 10,000 Graduates
Pink Riders, a motorcycle training institute founded by Payyam-e-Khurram, has played a pivotal role in empowering Pakistani women. Initially met with skepticism, the institute has now graduated nearly 10,000 women, challenging conservative norms and fostering independence.
Inspired by the need for mobility, Khurram initiated the training program, breaking stereotypes and even organizing the country’s first women’s bike rally in 2019. Despite facing opposition and threats, Pink Riders expanded to five cities, offering not just motorcycle training but also self-defense classes to address safety concerns.
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While societal disapproval and harassment persist, the positive impact is evident. Women like Sadia Awan and Zakia Jawwad have found newfound freedom and economic opportunities through riding motorcycles. Despite lost marriage proposals and familial objections, these women are reshaping perceptions on the streets of Karachi.
Sadia Awan shared,
“When men know that a woman can go against the grain and ride a bike, they will know she can also break your jaw if you tease her.”
Zakia Jawwad explains how she has managed to improve her online clothing business by delivering the parcels herself instead of relying on the delivery services that would charge her more and not deliver on time.
“It was a hassle waiting for the delivery men to arrive, they would charge anywhere from 300 to 350 rupees for delivery, and sometimes even pocketed the money.”
As Pakistan takes steps to address mobility challenges for women, attitudes must evolve. Khurram emphasizes the need to normalize women on bikes, urging society to refrain from making them celebrities and instead embrace the idea that women riding motorcycles is a normal, empowering aspect of everyday life.
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