Since the appearance of the motorcycle in the early 1900s, the main customers of this means of transportation have always been men. However, for some time, women are beginning to appreciate the two-wheeler. Not only to make a turn as a passenger, they cross now a new stage, that of driving themselves that gear that has long frightened.
This is slowly beginning to grow. The sense of adventure and freedom, autonomy and modernity are factors that have contributed to the enthusiasm of women for the bike.
Genevieve Frederick, 48, is from those who are not afraid of anything. In 1994, down from its 1.60 m, she decides to pass his motorcycle. "I learned everything alone. Out of curiosity, I wanted to know how to walk a bike and I did it. I started driving a Honda mini ", tells us she. In his neighborhood, Red Earth, at the Cité CHA, it is the second woman to have learned to drive a motorcycle. "At that time, very few women flew for two-wheelers. It was not common. The men looked at me strangely, but fortunately, no comments were moved, "she said. Her husband, meanwhile, spent his license a decade later. "It was a little embarrassed because it was me who was driving while he was a passenger. What attracted many looks when traveling, "says Genevieve.
If Genevieve Frederick decided to switch his license there twenty years, it certainly was not a provocation. Professional seamstress, she often had to move the capital to do some shopping. "A conveyance seemed indispensable. But I was not able to buy me a car at the time, so I opted for the bike. I can easily sneak between cars and so escape the caps of Port Louis. This allows me to fulfill my orders on time, "we said elle.Toutefois, she not only short distances (Grand Bay, Quatre-Bornes). The distance does not frighten him.
Maria Seetharamdoo is also, motorcyclist. His choice fell on a scooter. She never leaves. Messenger by profession, she uses it to all his movements. "I first learned to drive a moped when I was 18. I used my father to learn. I wanted to be more independent, "she says.
Housna Ardathsing, 36, a resident of Valley Pitot, decided in 1995 to spend his license. "I am a dressmaker and a bike I can buy my supplies without wasting time. Initially, I used a bike, but since 2010, I have a scooter, which is more convenient, "she said. Besides his travels for his work, Housna uses it to go to market, to shop, or, to get his nephew to school.
Indian woman on a motorcycle with the economy of India
India is known for its patriarchal society. Nevertheless, thanks to the willingness of women to be more autonomous, things change. The Indian start, too, to motorcycles, specifically the scooter. According to an article in The Times of India, published on July 4, sales of scooters mainly women.
This feminine craze for scooters underlines two major developments. The first concerns the changing states of mind. The woman feels free to go wherever she wants and no one cares more than the conservative and masochistic that could block the road to independence. Second, the authorities should pay more attention to road safety, because the number of drivers increases.
It is this phenomenon that allows it to integrate into the economy. "It seems we are getting closer to our neighbors in East Asia, who have managed to integrate women into their economy. Women scooter can travel in large offices, small businesses, stores, etc.. This is what we see through South Korea, Vietnam. This benefits everyone, "concludes the article.
Women roaring down the road
According to the latest report of the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), the number of women who drive a motorcycle has increased 34% between 1998 and 2003. 4.3 million out of 23.5 million drivers are women. This represents a population of women pilots from 18%. Between 1988 and 1993, the percentage of women who flew a bike was only 3%.
Also according to the MIC, 56.7% female motorcyclists are married, 28% hold a university degree, 35% were employed and their average age is 42 years.
A view from outside
A woman driving a motorcycle can attract comments, most often, sexist or insulting.
Elvina Frederick, 30 years, knows the problem. "All my trips are on a motorcycle. In 1999 I learned to drive, and I got my license sometime later. I feel free and independent. I did not need to run after another for a service. We are four in the family and everyone has his bike, "said Elvina.
If, initially, she chose a Mini Honda, today it is aboard a Suzuki EN 125, we see it slide down on the asphalt. "Men hate a woman more than the motorcycle. This irritates them, and not until they regained the lead of the race, they will not be satisfied, "she says. They try to destabilize the honking and other means, but the experience gained over the years allows him to stay focused, and to ignore the comments.
For Frederic Elvina is the Suzuki EN 125 which is a problem. "Men do not like to see me on a motorcycle bigger than theirs. Frustrated, they try to destabilize me but I did do that, "says the young woman.
Krish-Mungur Bhagat works, for 30 years in advertising. He spends his days visiting his customers. Women on motorcycles, he sees every day and it does not bother him. "There are more women on motorcycles, which is fine. This means that society evolves. Moreover, they are less dependent on men, they do what they have to do alone, "he says. As for negative comments, it ensures that there is not one to throw insults at the women on two wheels. "I make comments, either for men or for women when they make mistakes, but no more. But destabilize a woman on a motorcycle, never. This could be very dangerous, "says the latter.
18 years and ride a Suzuki Bandit 650 S
Jessica Moy of Lacroix, 18, just got her license. It's been one year she tries to motorcycles. From its 1.73 m, ride a Suzuki Bandit 650 S does not scare him. All his trips are this big machine, which does not fail to attract attention.
His love for the bike, she takes after his father. It has a 1400 Suzuki GSX Turbo and working in this business. "I have my Suzuki Bandit 650 for a year already. In Mauritius, we are at least five women to own big cars. I grew up with motorcycles because my father has a business like this, but in the family, I'm the only one to love the bike. " In terms of what other people, Jessica says that there is nothing nasty.
Famous women motorcyclists
The love of women for the bike did not start yesterday. In history, some women did not hesitate to get astride to defy the speed. Short chronology of these events that shaped the news:
- In 1915, a mother and daughter, Avis and Effie Hotchkiss through New York to San Francisco, doing 5000 miles.
- The Sisters Adeline and Augusta Van Buren are the first women to cross America in 1916.
- In 1940, the first and oldest organization dedicated to women motorcyclists born in America. It's called Motor Maids, Inc.. The organization now has 1,200 members.
- Seeja Mathews was the first woman to own a Harley Davidson in India. She bought it in February 2011.
- Elena Myers, born November 21, 1993 in California, is the first female motorcycle driver to have won a victory in the history of American Championship Motorcycle Racing AMA Pro in August 2011.
- In May 2012, a video on the Internet is the buzz. That of a Chinese woman who takes five children to school aboard his small motorcycle.
Surendra Nowbuth, sociologist: "An indication of the emancipation of women"
How do you explain the popularity of women for two-wheelers in recent years in Mauritius?
There is a combination of factors that contribute to this phenomenon. Nowadays, parents and family begin to understand that women and men are equal. Attitudes change through education. It is also the fact that Mauritians and Asians mimic the way many Westerners live. For example, in India, girls are less and less saree. The effects of globalization are being felt and the fact that women are increasingly the bike is a good example. The woman, nowadays, is not only to the kitchen, she wants to see and explore the outside world. In Mauritius, we can say that women today are reaping the fruits of labor of feminist emancipation there fifty years.
What are those factors that explain this phenomenon?
There are three main factors. First, because a woman riding a motorcycle is an indication of its emancipation. Women today want to be free and independent. Driving a motorcycle is a way for them to feel empowered.
Second is the fact that Mauritius is becoming more Westernized. A motorcycle for a woman became trend. Mauritian women also want to be fashionable. That is why there are bikes that are created specifically for women.
Finally, families liberal, as conservative families, accept that their daughters drive a motorcycle. This sheer practicality. Indeed, it is a practical means of transport to escape the gridlock. This saves time.
Has this contributed to the advancement of women and society in general?
Obviously. The emancipation of women is not yet complete. Society is changing and the line between human activities and those of women fades gradually. This can be seen at school. After all the efforts made by women for decades, some parents think a girl is now a better investment, hence the desire to give him more freedom.
