Women cycling together can create a powerful message. To date, over 1,075 women from more than 30 countries have pedaled for peace in the Follow the Women for Peace (FTW) bike rides through Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. Their goal is to raise awareness about the urgent need for peace and human rights for everyone. The core mission of FTW is to empower women to take action against violence. Outreach activities, such as women-only bike rides, expand women’s political and public space. As a result, they increase female participation and legitimize women’s roles at local, national, and even international levels.
Local and Global Support for FTW
In each host country, FTW cyclists receive support from youth volunteers and local women who participate within their own country. For example, in 2009, a team of Jordanian women, composed of former participants and new members, shared responsibilities for organizing the ride. However, these women faced challenges. Many struggled to practice cycling regularly, while others had to overcome family, work, and societal obstacles. In Jordan, only 12 of the 23 trained and registered women could join the event. Despite these challenges, 50 Arab women from Jordan, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon joined 135 female participants from other countries, including Australia, Japan, the USA, Iran, and several European nations.
Since its inception six years ago, FTW has grown into a global movement. Women from all over the world now ‘pedal for peace’ to make a difference for women and children in the Middle East. Through these rides, FTW has raised funds to build playgrounds in refugee camps.
FTW’s Vision and Financial Support
FTW started in 2004 when Detta Regan from the UK saw cycling as a powerful tool for change. In Arab countries, cycling women are rare, which makes this diverse, women-only group even more impactful. By peacefully cycling together, these women attract media and public attention to basic human rights issues. Their solidarity transcends cultural, religious, and geographical divides, showing that women want to participate in decision-making for a better future. When women from such varied backgrounds unite in a shared physical effort, it creates a unique synergy. This experience empowers all participants and helps shift perceptions of Middle Eastern women and culture.
Symbolism and Personal Empowerment through Cycling
FTW’s long-term vision includes ending the occupation of Palestine. However, to gain financial support, the organization emphasizes non-partisan goals like changing perceptions, raising awareness, and building solidarity among women. By focusing on universal values such as peace, human rights, and freedom of movement, FTW avoids specific political demands. The organization has laid a foundation for cultural and social change through its inclusive and diverse participant base. The event enables each woman to accomplish daily goals that provide physical empowerment and foster change within their lives.
Skill Development and Overcoming Barriers
The bicycle is more than a mode of transport; it is a powerful symbol. It attracts attention to FTW’s message and represents freedom of movement. On a personal level, cycling empowers women and helps them overcome fear. Women who publicly advocate for human rights can build connections with like-minded individuals and organizations, including male supporters who volunteer for technical support and traffic safety. FTW’s decentralized structure relies on volunteers to manage tasks in each country. In Jordan, female volunteers developed skills in fundraising, public speaking, media relations, and networking. Local organizers in Arab host countries encountered challenges in finding sponsors and overcoming family opposition. Palestinian participants faced difficulties at borders and checkpoints, which reinforced FTW’s focus on the freedom of movement.
FTW’s tactic of using bicycles can be adapted for advocacy in other contexts and on various issues. In societies where women are marginalized, a collective cycling event can convey that their voices and concerns must be heard. In Jordan, similar advocacy bike rides were organized to raise awareness about environmental issues, refugees’ rights, and violence against women.
