<i>Women break barriers by cycling </i>

Observing International Women's Day: (Anti-clockwise from left) BDCyclists, 1 Degree Initiative, and ABC Radio organise a cycle procession, brought out from in front of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. A painting on display in an art exhibition at the city's Galleri Kaya. Prothom Alo and Acid Survivors Foundation form a human chain in front of the Central Shaheed Minar. Photo: STAR

White Swan, Pink Fuchsia, Cinderella, Bahon Dahon, Laali - such were the names of some of the cycles which were pedalled by a group of females on the city streets yesterday morning.
It was especially pink and red-coloured bikes which ruled the streets, two of the most favourite colours among females, under the coconut clouds with a spring breeze blowing.
All of it was for a cycle procession by women, the first of its kind in Bangladesh, to observe International Women's Day.
Cyclists, among whom were daughters, wives or even mothers, started gathering in front of Sangsad Bhaban on Manik Mia Avenue after 6:00am for the cycle procession.
The procession commenced at the avenue, moved on to Mirpur Road and ended at Karwan Bazar around 8:00am via Panthapath.
Tilka Binte Wali, a young entrepreneur who joined the procession, said, “It was like Eid day for us ladies, cycling the city streets freely as if we were living our lives free from all stereotyping norms and restrictions that society imposes on us everyday.”
“Cycling is an effective way to instil a sense of independence and empowerment among females,” she said, promising to teach cycling to her two daughters.
Some 50 female cyclists joined the celebration.
BDCyclists, 1 Degree Initiative & ABC Radio jointly organised the event to mark Women's Day.
Noor A Nazia, a member of BDCyclists, said, “Our motto is to encourage more and more females to take up cycling as a mode of transport so that they can avoid the harassment they face while commuting on public transport.”