ISLAMABAD: National Commission on the Status of Women in collaboration with Bardasht, Urban Innovation, ICT Administration, Islamabad Cycling Association, Islamabad Traffic Police, Tiger’s Force, Graana and European Union organizes on Sunday a walking, running and cycling event to observe 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. Cycling Sunday is a regular feature which takes place on the first Sunday of every month.

It is an international campaign that commences on 25th November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (VAW) and ends on 10th December – Human Rights Day. This year, it will be marked under the global theme set by the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE campaign: “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!”.

The event took place from Beverly Centre to D-Chowk on Jinnah avenue from 11:00 – 04:00 pm. The participants donned Orange shirt, caps and scarves as a way to show send a message of zero tolerance for gender-based violence. The Chairperson NCSW, Ms. Nilofar Bakhtiar addressed the crowd and urged every individual to shoulder the responsibility of ending this epidemic of violence against women.

Home-based women entrepreneurs from wecamp set up their art and food stalls to cater to the participants. This served as the perfect blend of activities to send three key messages: No to VAW, Economic Empowerment and a Clean, Green Islamabad.

Cycling Sunday is part of a larger plan to advocate more cycling in the city of Islamabad and to demonstrate that cycling isn’t just a sport but also a leisure activity and has its utility as well. Urban Innovation is committed to collaborative efforts promoting reduced vehicular dependence, safer roads and streets and greater freedom of choice when it comes to mobility and recreation.