When we talk about public spaces, it’s no secret that they remain male-dominated.
Many movements and campaigns to reclaim public spaces have started taking place in Pakistan. Seen as a form of women empowerment, such initiatives aim to bridge the wide gap between the sexes, striving to establish some form of equality.
The Women of Wheels Motorbike Subsidy Scheme is one such initiative. But really, what is it about?
The project, initiated by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, aims to help women in their quest to reclaim public spaces. The campaign has been launched in collaboration with the Transport Department and the Bank of Punjab.
Talking about the project, Mr. Salman Sufi, the Director-General of the Strategic Reforms Unit at the Chief Minister’s Office had the following to say:
“The Chief Minister initiated this plan to give the power of mobility to women of Punjab so that they can be true partners in progress and development of the province.”
Now, if you’re wondering how this scheme works and what it entails, the following details should help:
The aim of the campaign is to provide women in Punjab with around 3000 customized motorbikes. However, these will be provided at subsidized rates through a transparent balloting process. The application process began back on the 22nd of January and will continue until the 25th of February, 2018.
The following image has all the details regarding the eligibility criteria and documents needed.
SRU introduced this program initially in November 2015 in collaboration with the respective City Traffic Police and District Governments.
The idea was simple: empower women through the provision of free motorcycle training. Launched in cities like Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Sargodha, the campaign has trained over 3000 women.
The campaign has already gained traction on social media.
Some important features about #WomenOnWheels:
Equity subsidy of Rs. 24,975 along with 100% markup will be borne by the Punjab government.
Deposition of Rs. 27,000 will be a down payment by Applicant.
Payment in 12 easy installments of Rs. 1,856 monthly by Applicant pic.twitter.com/dCDb16jDOH— Govt Of The Punjab (@GovtOfPunjab) January 22, 2018
DG Strategic Reforms Unit Salman Sufi talks about a landmark project "Women on Wheels" that aims to empower women by giving them easy mobility. Under "Women on Wheels" initiative, subsidized motorcycles are being given to women! Watch for details #FeelTheFreedom pic.twitter.com/s10GJ6XEmT
— Govt Of The Punjab (@GovtOfPunjab) January 30, 2018
Shehbaz Sharif shared his thoughts on the campaign as well.
The Quaid had said that no nation can move forward unless it takes its women along. Punjab has launched yet another project by the name of "Women on Wheels" for their empowerment. Let women take charge of their lives & play their full role 4 uplift of their families & the country https://t.co/WV6BGkieXC
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 22, 2018
Women on Wheels has since received much appreciation.
Women on Wheels: women get subsidy on motorcycles in Punjab. I believe men will behave more civilised on roads….if women are also driving. pic.twitter.com/nBzsanvbDs
— sabirnazar (@sabirnazar1) January 26, 2018
Excellent initiative
— Tahir Niaz (@TahirNiaz13) January 22, 2018
It has also been termed a bold step.
a bold step towards empowering of women.. they need to be independently moving first and then can achieve their goals..
— Ziaul Haq (@ZiaulHaq16) January 22, 2018
Moreover, people are lending their support for the campaign.
Excellent initiative by @CMShehbaz … All my support for this project #WomenonWheels pic.twitter.com/3jKhvUWbR0
— Mansoor Ali Khan (@_Mansoor_Ali) January 22, 2018
Here’s hoping this initiative truly helps the women empowerment movement. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below.
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Cover image via: geo.tv