How Multan’s Women Are Redefining Mobility, Mindsets

APP Correspondent

Multan: On the bustling streets of Multan — once known for its deep-rooted conservatism — a quiet yet powerful transformation is taking shape. The familiar rumble of motorbikes now carries a new sound: the determination of women taking control of their own mobility.

Until a few years ago, the sight of a woman on a motorbike in the heart of South Punjab was rare enough to draw curious stares. Today, along Bosan Road, Gulgasht, and Chowk Kachehri, it’s becoming increasingly common to see young women confidently navigating traffic on scooters — on their way to universities, offices, and workplaces.

The change reflects more than a shift in transport trends; it signals an evolution in attitudes toward women’s independence and empowerment.

According to the Punjab Transport Department, over 1,200 women in the Multan Division have obtained motorbike learner or permanent licences during the past two years — a sharp rise compared to previous years.

 “The number of female applicants is increasing every month,” a senior traffic officer confirmed, crediting the surge to growing confidence and social acceptance.

At the heart of this change lies the Punjab government’s “Women on Wheels” (WoW) initiative, designed to train and empower women through licensed driving schools. The program provides free training, helmets, and safety awareness sessions, helping women gain both skills and confidence to ride independently.

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For many, riding a two-wheeler is more than a convenience — it’s liberation. “People sometimes stare or comment, but I ignore them,” said Sara Nadeem, a university student who rides her scooter daily to campus. “This gives me freedom and saves time. I no longer depend on anyone to drop me off or pick me up.”

Yet, challenges persist. Female riders often face criticism, harassment, and infrastructural obstacles such as the lack of separate parking spaces and insufficient road safety awareness. “We’re working to make conditions safer for women riders through awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement,” said a traffic police officer.

Local rights activists, however, see this emerging trend as a symbol of quiet resistance and empowerment. “When a woman controls her mobility, she redefines her role in society,” remarked Rukhsana Javed, a women’s rights campaigner in Multan. “These women are not just learning to ride bikes — they are learning to claim their space in public life.”

According to the Punjab Women Development Department, more than 6,000 women across Punjab have received two-wheeler training under the Women on Wheels initiative since its inception — a figure expected to rise as more women challenge conventional gender roles.

As the sun sets over Multan’s ancient skyline, women on scooters weave through the traffic, their helmets glinting in the fading light — a subtle yet striking image of change. The city, long known for its traditions, is now witnessing a new kind of revolution — one that hums quietly on two wheels, powered by courage, confidence, and the will to move forward. The feature was released by APP on October 19, 2025.