Women bikers take over Delhi, plan to make it national

In an attempt to create awareness about the deep rooted social issues that lead to sexual violence against women, several women bikers in the national capital will take over the streets to fight sexual harassment and reclaim ‘lost’ public spaces on November 27. 

The all-women bike rally, organised by NGO Breakthrough India and led by The Bikerni, India’s first all-women motorcycle association, will travel to different parts of the city for two weeks and talk about creating safer spaces for women across the gender spectrum.

“Women have always been robbed off their share of safe public spaces — where one doesn’t face any gender-based discrimination. It is high time we come together and reclaim those lost places,” says 44-year-old Jyoti Mehta.

Several other bikers like Mehta will participate in the rally, which is a part of the #Standwithme campaign in Delhi that advocates gender inclusive safe spaces, thus eventually helping in the mitigation of sexual harassment.

“It’s not about biking but breaking stereotypes,” says 30-year-old Neha Bhatia. “Women don’t come out because of social pressure. This is an opportunity for them to break free express their support.” The rally, which will flag off from Mandi House Metro station will engage the youth and the mass. 

The #Standwithme campaign will also include discussions on the concept of consent, inter-generational dialogues via video vans and street theatre performances. Last year, the NGO organised a similar rally in Rohtak district, Haryana.