Shillong: Milady’Squad MC, an all-woman motorcycle club based in Shillong, organised a ‘Ride Against Molestation’ on Sunday to raise awareness about sexual harassment and promote women’s safety and dignity.Fifteen women bikers, including seven club members and eight guests, rode from Shillong Club to the Umling toll gate before returning to the city. The event was part of a pan-India campaign organised by independent riders.Angela Indira Hrangkhawl, co-founder of the club, said the campaign was not directed against men but aimed at opposing molestation and challenging stereotypes about women’s safety.“This ride is mainly against molestation. It is organised by independent riders all over India. It’s time we raise voices, we talk more openly about it. We are not against men. When we talk about breaking the stereotypes, we need to keep on mind that society is made by males and females. We are only against molestation. So we stand by this and that’s why we have chosen to ride today,” Angela said. She called for greater public awareness and collective efforts to create a safer environment for women.Founded in 2019, the Shillong-based club, which has 12 members now, organises safety and awareness rides and promotes women’s empowerment on two wheels. Hrangkhawl said the ride was an effort to ‘breaking the silence around harassment’. Similar rides were held in Assam, Kolkata and Delhi, she said.
