As we gear up to celebrate International Women's Day on the 8th of March, it's time to honour and recognise the incredible achievements of women across the globe. This day isn't just about acknowledging the accomplishments of a few, it's about celebrating the collective efforts of all women, as Gloria Steinem famously said, "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." It's fitting the that we take a moment to reflect on the profound impact cycling has had on women's empowerment and liberation.
How is a bicycle a feminist?
Let's travel back in time to the 1890's, also known as the bicycles' "golden age", where it was soaring in popularity like never before. Bikes were more accessible than other forms of transportation and cycling offered women a newfound sense of freedom. Prior to this era, societal norms confined women to domestic spaces, limiting their mobility and independence. However, with the rise in bicycle popularity, women had a mode of transportation that broke down gender discrepancies, enabling a greater sense of social mobility, granting greater freedom to explore their surroundings and travel independently. The affordability and accessibility of bicycles meant that women no longer had to rely solely on their husbands or other modes of transportation controlled by men. This freedom allowed women to expand their horizons, pursue education and employment opportunities, and engage in social activities outside of the home. The bicycle became a symbol of empowerment, challenging traditional gender roles and clothing, and fostering a sense of autonomy among women.
Women in cycling
Despite the advancements in the feminist movement, women's achievements in cycling are still often overlooked and undervalued. But let's shine a spotlight on some incredible female cyclists who have left their mark on the sport:
From Marianne Vos's impressive accolades spanning the 2000s to the present day, including two Olympic gold medals and three world championship victories, to Fabiana Luperini's dominance with five Giro d'Italia Femminile titles, four consecutively between 1995 and 1998, and Annie Londonderry's groundbreaking journey as the first woman to cycle around the world in 1894—these remarkable cyclists have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their tenacity, unmatched skill, and courage continue to inspire generations of women to pursue their cycling dreams, defying norms and shattering barriers along the way.
TENWAYS commitment to empowering women
This year's theme for International Women's Day is Inspire Inclusion, and at TENWAYS, we're passionate about encouraging more women to embrace the joys of cycling. We understand the transformative power of two wheels, not just for physical fitness but also mental well-being and community building. That's why we offer a diverse range of e-bikes designed to cater to every cyclist's needs, weather you're a seasoned rider or just starting your journey. From the sleek and sporty CGO600 Pro, and our latest stylish, ultra-techy CGO009, to our comfortable, low step CGO800S and AGO T, whether you're seeking a high-performance e-bike with an advanced features or a comfortable ride, TENWAYS has got you covered.
Our values
We believe that green mobility should be accessible for everyone, regardless of gender. Through initiatives like our partnership with Susan Schulting and Pamela Reif, our ambassadors who embody strength, resilience, and empowerment, we're working to inspire women to take the streets on two wheels, and pedal together towards an inclusive future, where every woman will feel empowered to explore the world on her terms.
