Tunisia Women Cyclists Challenge Gender Norms
Sumaira FH Published July 02, 2020 | 09:50 AM
Tunis, July 2 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jul, 2020 ) :Bicycling has made recent inroads in the Tunisian capital, with women leading the peloton to achieve greater mobility and break gender norms as the coronavirus pandemic boosts the two-wheeled trend.
Every Sunday morning, the Japanese garden in central Tunis is transformed into an impromptu bicycle academy for dozens of novice cyclists. The students are adults and nearly all women, who missed the chance to learn to ride as children.
Dressed in tracksuits and sneakers, the beginners ride learner cycles as they wobble around the park, a much safer venue than the traffic-clogged streets of downtown.
"I came to free myself from the burden of never having learned to ride a bicycle," said Samia, 40, who is proud to have mastered cycling by her second training session.
"We didn't learn as girls, it wasn't the done thing in our culture. This patriarchal view of society meant that only boys were given bikes. Thankfully things are changing now," she said, promising to teach her own children to ride.
The bicycle school was opened by the Tunisian Velorution ("cycle revolution") association and has taught nearly 700 cyclists in the past two years, 97 percent of whom are women.
Each training session offers different generations and social classes a chance to mix. Women from 15 to 70 pursue a shared determination to fulfil a childhood dream.
The coronavirus lockdown saw streets empty of cars throughout the spring and caused demand for cycling lessons to soar. The association has doubled its weekly classes since recently resuming.
This time "lots of people got involved", said Stephanie Pouessel, co-founder of Velorution Tunisia. "It's a symbol of autonomy. A way for women to take control of their transport, and thus their life." Aida, a 61-year-old former maths teacher, is learning to ride in her retirement. "As mothers we taught our children to ride a bike, but we forgot to teach ourselves," she said.
"I can start and stop by myself now. I've learned to brake," she said.
Her goal now is to beat the traffic by biking through the streets.
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 4 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 04 May 2024
Pakistan marks World Press Freedom Day
High-level Saudi business delegation due on May 5
Stocks heat up as US labour market cools
President approves Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024
Implementation of merit, justice to oppressed segments top priorities: CPO
Overseas Kashmir community delegation calls on AJK President, discusses latest s ..
Govt believes in freedom of press: Amir Muqam
Labour urges UK election after Tory losses
Health authorities asked for action against alleged illegal tenders at Services ..
Spain scraps national bullfighting prize sparking debate
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Waste Management – A persistent challenge for MWMC
1 day ago -
Experts for ending child labour
3 days ago -
Labour Day - A reminder for better facilities to workers
3 days ago -
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
6 days ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
6 days ago -
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
6 days ago
-
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
7 days ago -
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
8 days ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
8 days ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
11 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
12 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
13 days ago