KARACHI: A Bikeathon was held in the port city on Sunday to raise awareness about street harassment faced by women and girls in the country. At least 120 cyclists participated in the event.
Bikeathon, an event in which participants ride cycle a long distance, was organised by Aahung, a Karachi-based non-governmental organisation working for the promotion of women’s rights and health.
Multiple biking groups cycled from Hotel Metropole (Shahra-e-Faisal), following the designated route, to Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim (Seaview) to raise awareness for the prevention of street harassment faced by women and girls.
The event was held with the slogan “Exercising her right to public spaces”. It was participated by people of all ages from 10 to 60. They were happy about their participation in the rally and expressed their desire to play their role in bringing about change in society.
A female participant who’s also a student of Food Science and Technology, Uroosa said sometimes when they cycled on the roads and were left behind, they feared that someone might pass a comment on them as harassment cases are on the rise in the metropolis.
Another participant said she started cycling a few months ago and it was the first time she
participated in a bikeathon.
Bikeathon rally organiser, Aahung Communications Manager Aamna Altaf said the incidents of women’s harassment were multiplying in the country for which suitable action was required. The cycle rally played a key role in drawing attention towards this important issue, she said.
