More than 130 women from 27 countries are riding their bicycles alongside many Emirati women through all seven Emirates from February 16th to February 23rd in the latest edition of the Pedal For Peace initiative organized by international women’s organisation Follow The Women.
Invited by the Emirates Cycling Federation, this is the charity’s sixth ride that brings together women from all over the world to cycle together in the name of peace and greater cultural understanding.
The brainchild of UK national and Nobel Peace Prize nominee (1000 Women) Detta Regan, Follow The Women is a UK-based registered charity that works to build bridges between women from diverse cultures and beliefs to enhance global knowledge and understanding of the Middle East, and to make a positive impact in communities.
Since 2004, Follow The Women rides have been held in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine and involved over 1,800 women from over 40 countries. Each participating country has a team of dedicated women who raise funds for the team’s projects.
Funds raised during the ride across the Emirates will be donated to the Red Crescent for specific projects in Palestine and other areas in the Middle East.
Detta Regan commented: “We are honoured that the Emirates Cycling Federation has invited Follow The Women to ride across the Emirates. Our events not only foster a sense of unity and develop long-lasting networks, but also have a positive impact on the lives of those in the Middle East.”
Detta organised the first Follow The Women cycle tour of the Middle East from her home in Berkshire, England, in 2004. All women in the Emirates are encouraged to join the Pedal For Peace as it makes its way across the country. Details of the route are available on the website at www.followthewomen.com and updates are posted on the organisation’s Facebook page at Follow The Women.
