New Indian Express Reports On SheCycling's Momentum — Participants Aged 9 To 64, Breaking Gender Barriers

Women learn cycling with the help of like-minded individuals as part of this novel initiative in the state

Remember that scene in Manichithrathazhu in which Alli travels through her village on a bicycle? That’s probably one of those rare instances in which Malayalam movies portrayed a grown woman doing so. Those are the memories of an era that is long behind us. Now, in a novel move, a group of cycling enthusiasts have launched ‘She-Cycling’, by which they train women to ride cycles.

The nationwide initiative is led by trainers Zeenath MA and Prakash P Gopinath in Kerala, who will soon visit Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu, too, to train local women. The idea is to train local girls and women and equip them to further train others in their locality. The project was launched in BCM College, Kottayam, where students and local women took part in the training.

According to Gopinath, among the 39 people who joined training here, 27 were local women, including homemakers.

"It's not just about picking up a hobby or using cycling as a means to keep themselves fit. It is also a matter of livelihood. Even before we launched She-Cycling, women can see an increase of 34 per cent in their income if they use cycles to commute. For people who do household work, they can pick up more work with easier transportation at their disposal," said Gopinath.

The idea of She-Cycling blossomed when these two trainers trained a group of Kudumbashree and ASHA workers in Kochi. BYCS India Foundation joined hands with them soon.

"Women from all walks of life and different family situations join this programe. The first thing we need to do is boost their confidence. Once that's done, they will flourish. I tell them there is nothing to be ashamed of. Riding a cycle is a matter of confidence and not shame," says Zeenath MA.

THE FIRST THING WE NEED TO DO IS BOOST WOMEN'S CONFIDENCE. ONCE THAT'S DONE, THEY WILL FLOURISH
— Zeenath MA