Women on Wheels = 'Beyhayai' on wheels?
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The Punjab government’s Women on Wheels programme was initiated on January 10 by a rally of 150 women trained by the Special Monitoring Unit on Law & Order and City Traffic Police.
The WoW programme took off but not without condemnations on social media littered mainly with charges of “bayhayai”.
Just a few representative samples include:
That the sight of women on motorbikes is obscene to some in a country where hundreds of children are horrifically abused for years and forgotten spells volumes about the twisted sense of outrage by many in Pakistan.
It is also mind boggling how the sight of women with men on motorbikes isn’t “beyhayai” but women alone on motorbikes definitely is.
Why?
There is little doubt that this line of thought owes itself to the deep-seated scandalisation of female presence and participation in public spaces in Pakistan.
This is a scandal anytime there is a breach of the chaar diwari — a concept set in values of honour, which frankly holds little relevance in the 21st century but nonetheless limits women to the boundaries of the private sphere.
This 'scandal' is part of the bigger problem women in Pakistan face in relation to public spaces, which are culturally set as 'alien territories' for them. Public spaces are seen as exclusive male domains — external and separate from the domestic domain to which women 'belong'.
Take a look: Why do women walk so briskly in public?
Any breach of this mobility by women is then either fraught with risks such as harassment — which is rationalised as part-and-parcel of stepping into the ‘male realm’ of public spaces, in which female presence and visibility may be treated as cultural anomalies.
It is this view that often promotes hostile conditions for women when they do step into public spaces — ranging from roads, educational institutions to work places — because "that isn't where they are supposed to be".
Public spaces in Pakistan are not a distant realm for women, they are not off-limits to us.
And that is precisely why an initiative such as Women on Wheels is necessary in this country because it resists this myopic idea by attempting the normalisation of female engagement in public spaces.
The author holds an MA in South Asian Studies from Columbia University, and currently teaches history and political science at the Lahore University of Management Sciences., She writes about socio-political affairs on her blog hafsakhawaja.wordpress.com.
She tweets @Hafsa_Khawaja
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Comments (81) Closed
Jan 11, 2016 02:31pm
Well done girls!! Ignore the insults
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Jan 11, 2016 02:32pm
Mashallah, wishing many happy journeys.
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Jan 11, 2016 02:34pm
Kudos to Punjab government for their first good step in the field of women empowerment. Much more needs to be done across the country.
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Jan 11, 2016 02:38pm
It is past time that the gender discrimination gap began to narrow. Also good to see motorcycle helmets.
Women should have equal opportunity in education, freedom of movement and equal opportunity to jobs. Empowering women is essential for the creation of a harmonious society.
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Jan 11, 2016 02:52pm
And well done Punjab government. Please come down heavy on anyone who bugs these girls (and others)
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Jan 11, 2016 03:03pm
Great imitative, let women drive/ride bikes, cycles, cars, buses, trains, air plains, if they can be fighter pilots why can't they ride bikes......
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Jan 11, 2016 03:09pm
If women can ride a horse in Prophet's time then why they cannot ride a bike today!
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Jan 11, 2016 03:14pm
Do you seen women on motorbikes in western world? no.. they usually use scooters , which were made for women so that they could ride it without awkwardly lifting their whole leg to get on to it. anyway ,accidents will increase many folds.
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Jan 11, 2016 03:17pm
Am happy to see women on bikes, BUT, sadly, whoever has thought up this scheme has put their life in danger by completely bypassing BASIC safety regulations. Look at the pictures, helmets are not strapped on, bikes lack rear view mirrors, many are not wearing proper ankle high closed shoes. We need a focal person in charge of training. Perhaps a competent Motorway Police officer? Or the MAP association?
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Jan 11, 2016 04:08pm
Good work Punjab government. Punjab is progressing in all spheres under Shahbaz Sharif.
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Jan 11, 2016 04:26pm
Public spaces in Pakistan are not a distant realm for women, they are not off-limits to us.
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Jan 11, 2016 04:29pm
This should be slowly introduced in other provinces too. Good job
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Jan 11, 2016 04:31pm
A question: Does anyone has reservations to women driving cars?
Yes, its the concept of chaddar and chardiwari and men (such as me) feel secure when my ladies are in a car.
Finally women empowerment or empowerment for any body, should not it be intellectually than through meaning less gestures.
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Jan 11, 2016 05:21pm
would create more accidents :( The need of teh hour is to tackle a giant of transportation in urban areas such as Lahore, Karachi etc where already there are thousands of motorbikes..not like this one
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Jan 11, 2016 05:38pm
in a patriarchal society, women may expect the kind of "harassment" the author stated ... it is obvious because of the constant learning of the man's subconscious in the environment he lives in.
But one should be respectful towards women if the things he sees isn't going the way he expected instead of using abusive language or swearing ...
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Jan 11, 2016 05:48pm
A very true reality is that car drivers face harassment from bike riders in big cities where the bike rider seem himself as superman and a kin of "Tom Cruise".......we see daily lots of causalities just due to over speeding of bikes, over taking etc innocent people also got entangled due to those stupid riders....cars drivers have to drive very carefully that no biker got touched with the car....its my own experience from Lahore....whereas indulging ladies in this suicidal scenario would result in big disasters (my opinion) since people would show there "heroism" but ladies would go for a blunder (accident)!
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Jan 11, 2016 06:06pm
indeed a good step in the right direction...We all fight over what the label 'feminism' means but for me it's about empowerment. It's not about being more powerful than men - it's about having equal rights with protection, support, justice. It's about very basic things. It's not a badge like a fashion item... We need to liberate women's mind.The process of spotting fear and refusing to obey it is the source of all true empowerment.
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Jan 11, 2016 06:15pm
I have witnessed a man on motorbike pull up next to an auntie who had picked her son from school and hit her with a closed fist, right on her jaw, which sent her head flying into the passenger side seat of her car.
There is nothing novel or "beyhaya" about women scootering around. They have been driving cars in Pakistan for decades. But their presence on roads has decreased, as lawlessness and baDTameezi of men motorists has sky-rocketed.
And that is what they should rightfully fear, as do men. Rudeness that quickly escalates to hatha-pai on our streets. Are women ready for that ?. Then bring it on sisters!
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Jan 11, 2016 06:23pm
For people with this mindset, even social media should be "behayi" through which they are disseminating extreme views and ideologies not easily digestible by an average person. Basically our society is predominantly ignorant. And the problem is usually not the harassment or teasing by male gender, it is often the lack of coping ability with any problem that might arise out of innovative initiatives like this. Anyway, if someone has really made up her mind, criticism on social media or a few caustic jabs should not put her in a miffed mood. Face the world with the best training.
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Jan 11, 2016 06:33pm
@khan I live in Germany and you see more women on bikes than Scooters. Plus you forgot that bicycles are replacing cars in greener economies anyway!
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Jan 11, 2016 06:41pm
Somehow, I think Pakistan is headed in the wrong direction (actually directionless, leaderless and devoid of role-models) in the guise of 'progress'.
This is not the Pakistan I knew or hope for. Somehow Europe or U.S. sound appealing. At leas in the U.S you will see people from all over the world and all stripes and pride in maintaining their culture and traditions while achieving the American dreams, yet never forget their roots.
In Pakistan on the other hand, Pakistanis seem so eager to shed their identity and become Americanized in style and pretense!
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Jan 11, 2016 07:03pm
gender equality is must.Emanicipation of women is dire need of society.How can son be strong if mother is week
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Jan 11, 2016 07:12pm
its great to break this taboo! Government should now allow some latest tech lightweight scooters that are far better and workable for women.
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Jan 11, 2016 07:44pm
This is excellent step!! I would love to see import/manufacturing of bikes customized to women needs (safer, lighter in weight, etc).
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Jan 11, 2016 07:48pm
Great initiative and will set a milestone in Women's independence and progress. I was visiting Morocco three weeks ago and even in small cities like Marrakesh and Fes, I saw many women riding the motor bikes and doing all sort of chores on their own. Not to mention they were fully covered and dressed in traditional muslim clothing as per the Moroccan culture. Similarly in countries similar to Pakistan such as Thailand and Costarica where an average family cannot afford a car or taxis or where they don't have proper means of public transportation, it is the way to go. Time to open minds and look at the bigger picture. Government should take measure to offer this program in all parts of the country as not every family can afford expensive means of transportation. Just promote safety and female respect awareness. It will be hard for first 5 years but will be adopted once people realize the convenience and advantages.
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Jan 11, 2016 07:53pm
Those that consider this to be bayhayai should continue to keep their eyes closed.
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Jan 11, 2016 08:16pm
All those who say nothing about men abusing children in Pakistan on a daily basis but are critical of women riding bikes need to get their priorities right.
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Jan 11, 2016 08:18pm
A country can not develop by depriving half of its population from a ride that the middle class can afford, we need to educate our women and let them play a lucrative role in the society. I find such positive comments below but I don't find these kind of people on the roads. They would judge these marvelous ladies when they are on the roads. The government should encourage every women to use bike so this phobia in our peoples mind is finished.
and SAFETY is a must.
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Jan 11, 2016 08:23pm
you go girls!! don't pay attention to ignorant folks out there.
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Jan 11, 2016 08:48pm
@Khurram Don't be so quick to draw conclusions from appearances alone.. they can be deceptive.
I've traveled extensively in Morroco, and while you see women empowered to take care of themselves and feed their families, ride motorbikes and even run repair shops, sell cigarettes on the streets etc.... There are other aspects of these societies that many may not realize and not readily apparent, and which cannot be mentioned on this forum.
One visible contrast and contradiction that you may have overlooked is that while many women in Morrocco where Jalabiya, and Hijab and traditionally dressed. Alcohol is readily available everywhere, so there must be demand for it. You will even find Bars in many towns and cities, right across from Mosques and schools.
Is that a culture one should admire and emulate?
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Jan 11, 2016 09:22pm
Awesome. When my daughter is old enough I will certainly teach her how to ride a motorbike. Women must have freedom of travel and motorbikes can give so many this freedom. Way to go Women way to go the Punjab.
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Jan 11, 2016 10:03pm
Congratulations to the girls and more so to their fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who are with them. Show the world that women are equal and most of the time better than the men.
Don't let anyone tell you that you are going against religion and/or culture. Religion is a personal interpretation and culture changes over time.
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Jan 11, 2016 10:47pm
A risky thrilling ride in a country like Pakistan.
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Jan 11, 2016 10:50pm
@mk, you said women driving bikes will cause more accidents. In western countries (where both men and women drive equaly), If you look at data of accidents , more accidents caused by men than women because men are more violent, take more risks, and are less careful than women.
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Jan 11, 2016 10:52pm
@Muhammad Ahmed Ali , women need support of encouraging men like you.
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Jan 11, 2016 10:53pm
@Arif , very logical
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Jan 11, 2016 11:23pm
Very Conventional Bikes .........about 70 t0 100CC only
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Jan 11, 2016 11:23pm
Great initiative.
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Jan 11, 2016 11:24pm
Addition to the environmental pollution and the already congested traffic.
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Jan 11, 2016 11:30pm
Gender bias should be fought at other levels first which will strengthen our society, these are secondary and cosmetic solutions, root causes of discrimination are still very well rooted , we need to get rid of them first. Respect for females, proper nutrition and girl child education should be looked into first, the rest will follow.
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Jan 11, 2016 11:47pm
It would be better for Pakistan to bring about a total reversal of the policies of general Zia as soon as possible.
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Jan 11, 2016 11:52pm
@khan If you happen to be in London, I will show you women riding 1000cc plus motor bikes as they commute to work.
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Jan 12, 2016 12:10am
We THE PEOPLE(some of us) need to change the way we think in general about women,we need to have more respect towards them,before we can empower them,we need to understand that you cannot empower a woman by trapping her inside a four walls,not educate her,not give her equal rights.First step towards empowering them is to liberate them.
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Jan 12, 2016 12:14am
Its high time women decided whats good for them and whats not......and its high time men learnt to trust them.
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Jan 12, 2016 12:16am
@khan,i don't know where you got this silly idea Khan,ever been to a motorcycle rally? you will find hundreds of women on some of the more heavy bikes(mainly Harleys) These rallies are held all over United States all summer long.My neighbor owns a honda 929RR,she rides it all summer to work.Get your facts pal.
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Jan 12, 2016 12:19am
Shahbaz Sharif Zindabad
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Jan 12, 2016 12:20am
Fully support this basic right of women.
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Jan 12, 2016 12:50am
@khan do you live in a western country? you should get your facts in order.
i have been riding a motorcycle in Canada for years and i see a lot of girls - especially on the sports bikes because they like speed!
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Jan 12, 2016 12:59am
@khan You do see women in Harleys in the US. Also few ride sports bikes too.
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Jan 12, 2016 01:18am
@khan
Very good point
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Jan 12, 2016 01:19am
very good point
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Jan 12, 2016 01:23am
@khan May be you are referring to to the movies or stereotypes. In America, I see more men riding the scooters than women. And why do you have stare at their crotches when they are getting on bikes?
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Jan 12, 2016 01:35am
..Bikes are pretty tough to learn for women...Why don't govt request manufacturers to produce women friendly scooters... here in India, scooters of Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Hero are very popular among women.. Now way days most men are preferring scooters over bikes because of traffic problems..
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Jan 12, 2016 01:39am
I fully support women on wheels initiative.
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Jan 12, 2016 01:39am
@khan May be you are referring to to the movies or stereotypes. In America, I see more men riding the scooters than women. And why don't you look away when they "awkwardly lifting their whole leg to get on to it"?
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Jan 12, 2016 02:36am
Great initiative!
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Jan 12, 2016 02:57am
Please bring this rally to Karachi.. See we are not that conservative as a society. If women will not come forward out of fear then when ll they have to, they will face more harassment. So make it a norm. People will learn how to behave. But if you wont shown up, they will never ever learn. In muslim countries like Malaysia, women ride bikes, bicycles and drive public buses. Why this is an anomaly in Pakistan?
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Jan 12, 2016 05:38am
Great initiative! Ignore the negativity! Need of the day!
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Jan 12, 2016 05:46am
@ahsan Why can't it be both?
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Jan 12, 2016 06:11am
Who ever says beyhayai they are stupid.
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Jan 12, 2016 06:40am
@Skeptic So riding a freaking CD 70 without side mirrors and a helmet is westernization? Wake the hell up.
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Jan 12, 2016 06:41am
@khan You are the most ignorant person on the planet. Women ride bikes here in the west all the time.
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Jan 12, 2016 07:36am
I am from Pune in India, that has a significant amount of female 2 wheeler riders. When my daughter turned in 18, she got a license for a geared 2 wheeler and a fully quipped 125 cc motorcycle. In no time, my daughter learned to ride the motorcycle and travel significant distances for her classes etc.
I believe that a motorcycle with some power and proper brakes is significantly safer than a scooter with small wheels and lesser weight. Initially, my heart was in my mouth when she was out for hours on her motorcycle. But, time and again, my daughter has returned safely through daily rides and my confidence in her abilities to look after herself has increased.
By introducing my daughter to ride a motorcycle, I have got her wings to go places. Her confidence level has increased and now she is asking for a larger motorcycle to travel even larger distances. I am inclined to agree...
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Jan 12, 2016 08:26am
Pakistanis must start to change their thinking and living ways VERY URGENTLY. Or continue to live in the medieval villages without coming to the cities. Salams
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Jan 12, 2016 09:15am
@khan, I live in North America, every day I see ladies riding bikes both motorized or peddled.
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Jan 12, 2016 09:44am
Against norms and respect for women. Must be discouraged!
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Jan 12, 2016 09:44am
Before giving empowerment to women, you should work on security for woman and mentality of society.
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Jan 12, 2016 10:03am
@khan you are wrong. There are no scooters in USA/Canada. Women here do ride motorbikes.
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Jan 12, 2016 10:11am
whats wrong if woman ride the bike, if woman can drive car then why not bike
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Jan 12, 2016 10:20am
Girls drive motorbikes, motor cycles, bicycles, moped are very common in India's cities including in villages too. Women empowerment comes within the freedom of expressions!! Keep going girls!!
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Jan 12, 2016 10:31am
Don't agree. Period.
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Jan 12, 2016 11:00am
its good, the girls are independent for traveling with out dependency of male person. its very common around the world so good work.
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Jan 12, 2016 12:30pm
Thumbs up for Punjab govt., but I prefer Scooters for women, automatic scooters, more safe, easily controlled and decent.
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Jan 12, 2016 01:05pm
As a marketing student I've always wanted bike manufactures to market their products to female market but they never did and had countless debates on this in classroom. One of the important points most girls raised that i'll be easier, time saver and affordable for them to ride bikes instead of using public transport or driving cars, or the college vans. Just hope that in near future bike manufacturers will present specially designed bikes for girls . I think this is just the right kind of push!!!!
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Jan 12, 2016 01:18pm
Very positive initiative indeed. From now, men (esp. thugs ) will start feeling insecure. Good Luck Brave Girls.
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Jan 12, 2016 01:26pm
Sick minds, such a paradoxical society we have
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Jan 12, 2016 02:04pm
Surely it's good start of one of Behyayi projects and all this credit goes to well known leader "Shahbaz Sharif".
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Jan 12, 2016 02:08pm
Carry on girls we are watching from other side . congrats
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Jan 12, 2016 02:42pm
Very good initiative by Punjab government. Women should be given equal opportunities & equal rights. People who don't change themselves with time are left behind. Those who say women on wheels is “bayhayai” are themselves mentally distorted.
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Jan 12, 2016 02:42pm
come on ride and rock safe and secure, and put these baseless and old ideas back with ur extreme acceleration ...... U rock\we rock=Pakistan rocks
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Jan 12, 2016 02:43pm
Very good initiative by Punjab government. Women should be given equal opportunities & equal rights. People who don't change themselves with time are left behind. Those who say women on wheels is “bayhayai” are themselves mentally distorted.
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