Iranian women challenge driving restrictions on motorcycles
France 24 · Just In
France 24
Just In
In Iran, a growing number of women are challenging traditional norms by riding motorcycles, a practice historically reserved for men under police regulations. While women have been allowed to hold driver’s licenses for years, riding mopeds and motorcycles was long prohibited, viewed as socially inappropriate.
Breakdown
- Women riding motorcycles in Tehran has become increasingly common, marking a societal shift.
- Mehrat Benham reports positive public reactions and notes support from both men and women. 14s
- The trend follows the death of Masa Amini and ongoing women's rights protests, with many women demanding equality through daily acts like motorcycling. 35s
- Practical and economic reasons, such as avoiding congestion charges, motivate women to ride motorcycles. 51s
- There is no explicit law banning women from motorcycle licenses, but bylaw regulations are enforced; riding has become a symbol of independence and defiance. 1m 14s