Thursday 16 January 2025, Lahore: Believing that accessible and safe transportation is vital for girls’ education, PODA Lahore Team organized an inspirational session featuring Kulsoom Gulzar, a trailblazing woman motorbike rider, at The Citizen Foundation School in Roranwala, Lahore.

The school’s Principal, Ms. Syeda Sumera, expressed her strong conviction that providing reliable mobility solutions can be a game-changer for girls’ education, helping them overcome barriers, reduce dropout rates, and realize their full potential, thereby promoting gender equality.

The session, attended by 45 enthusiastic girl students, was a key component of PODA’s project, ‘Reduce Early Marriages to Enhance Gender Equality’, generously supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Islamabad.

PODA Board Member, Ms. Ayesha Taslim, also graced the session, empowering the girls with her words. She urged them to take charge of their own transportation, emphasizing that this independence would ultimately pave the way to their success.

Kulsoom Gulzar left a lasting impression on the students, sharing her inspiring story and providing hands-on guidance on motorbike driving basics. The girl students were thrilled to attend the session, their excitement evident as they gained confidence and motivation.

PODA believes that for many girls, accessing education is a significant challenge due to various barriers. Economic constraints can limit families’ ability to afford transportation costs, while cultural and social norms may restrict girls’ mobility. Furthermore, the distance between homes and schools, combined with inadequate public transportation and infrastructure, can make commuting extremely difficult, ultimately hindering girls’ ability to pursue their education.