Women Cyclists Pedal for Equal Pay, Safer Workplaces

News Desk

Islamabad: Dozens of women took to the streets of the capital on Thursday, cycling for labour rights, equal wages and safer workplaces as part of the Women Cyclothon 2022, titled “Puri Ujrat Mera Haq.”

The event brought together more than 100 participants, including students, professionals, civil society activists, media representatives, academics, members of the Girl Guides and Scouts associations, transgender community representatives and persons with disabilities.

Organized by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) in collaboration with the Women Workers Alliance (WWA), Trust for Democratic Education & Accountability (TDEA), National Press Club and Maqam International, the cyclothon aimed to highlight challenges faced by working women across Pakistan.

The participants gathered at the National Press Club before beginning their ride towards Super Market. More than 50 women rode bicycles, while others joined the procession on foot, carrying placards demanding stronger labour protections, a raise in minimum wages and an end to the gender pay gap.

Addressing the participants, Islamabad Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat praised the initiative and said the government was committed to promoting women’s empowerment and protecting the rights of female workers. He added that committees would be established in Islamabad to monitor workplace conditions for women.

During the event, members of the Women Workers Alliance presented their charter of demands, calling for improved implementation of labour laws and policies that ensure dignity and security for women in the workforce.

WWA member Mussarat Jabeen stressed that rising inflation and the increasing cost of living required an urgent review of the minimum wage, saying workers should receive pay that allows them to meet basic necessities and maintain a decent standard of living.

Educationist and alliance member Mehar Nigar highlighted the lack of adequate representation of women in government institutions, saying that despite making up nearly half of the country’s population, women’s participation in many sectors remains limited.

SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas said weak implementation of labour laws continues to leave many women vulnerable to exploitation, adding that stronger monitoring systems were needed to ensure safe and fair workplaces.

The participants said the cyclothon was not only a call for women’s rights but also a message demanding recognition of the contribution of women workers across Pakistan.