Unity Through Bicycles
A group of fierce, brave girls in Kenya who are breaking down gender and cultural barriers and boldly pursuing their dreams on bicycles. Here’s a video from World Bicycle Relief about young girls conquering their fears, pushing past cultural constraints, and moving boldly towards their dreams – on two wheels.
For many students in rural Kenya, distance is a barrier that prevents them from going to school. With access to a bicycle, all of that changes.
But, Muslim girls in this area traditionally are not allowed to ride. In 2016, 122 students received bicycles at Umoja Secondary School. A group of Muslim girls chose to challenge cultural expectations that confined them. This is what they had to say about their newfound freedom of riding a bike-
“Owning a bicycle has changed my life a lot. I have come to face the world. It has helped me be confident. We can be ourselves, not what people want us to be,” said Ayan,16 years old.
“It was so surprising to see the Muslim girls riding the bike. It changed my opinion because I now knew Muslim girls, they are just like us,” said Kelly 14 years old.
There’s a bright light that shines now from Umoja Secondary School in Eldoret, Kenya, where children of Christian, Muslim, and traditional African faiths study together and embody their motto- “Together We Rise.”
Even brighter on those girls that ride.