Your reaction: independent mobility & feminism

I wrote this recent blog post which tied feminism to include also freedom of independent mobility for any woman. Of course, it does touch on cycling and the North American women's suffragette movement in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

But looking elsewhere worldwide, not all women feel as free as we do, to even travel around in one's own area, city.

I did receive quite a reaction...would be interested in thoughts from regular boomers here! And the reaction I am mentioning is not obvious on the blog post's comments. Both supportive while others negative. (I guess "feminism" word pushes some people's hot buttons.)

Interesting facts you pulled together in your article, Orchid. I had not ever equated bicycle riding/independent mobility with feminism, but you make a good case.

A couple of years ago I read a book about an American woman who traveled to Saudi Arabia with her husband, who was stationed there by his employer. She experienced quite a culture shock, and was especially troubled when she learned how few of the rights she'd always taken for granted were available to her. They even had to live in a special compound for foreigners. And her mobility WAS certainly restricted.

Thanks for sharing. I hope to hear others' comments here too.

Anne

It was the wearing of split skirts and wearing of trousers to ride bicycles which caused outcry in Victorian Britain..Women at that time were very brave to attempt the daring feat of cycling...We have to remember the Victorians even hid the legs of their furniture....to show an ankle was considered a no no.

Once women came forward to drive trams and omnibus during both World wars the choice to ride a bike was more free..Cycling clubs where mixed se xes spent time broke down other barriers became popular in the UK..

What a long way women have come ...

Yes we have come a long way. I wrote the piece to highlight other areas of the world also where in the 21st century there are still wheels of change to occur ..faster.

Anne: I would not want to live in a compound for long.

It is nice to realize the progress made. I, too, take for granted what we are able to do.