Join Our Fight for Equality
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I was not born a women's rights advocate. But I was born a woman. In Iran. And from an early age I learned that discrimination was a part of nearly every aspect of a woman's life. My name is Behnaz Shafiei and, in a country where women can get in trouble for riding a motorcycles, I am a top female motocross racer.
My love affair with motorcycles began around the age of 15 after seeing another woman rider. Then I was hooked. And my dream of becoming a female motocross racer in a country that had none – was born. Soon I was riding up and down the mountains of northwestern Iran almost daily; until I was bold enough to ride in the streets – in my helmet and leathers, of course – so no one could tell I was a girl.
I so loved motorcycle riding, I knew I had to share this wonderful gift with other women. And I have; To date, I've trained 117 women to ride motorcycles. But I knew I wanted to do more. It took three long years to accomplish, but I was allowed to organize and compete in the first all-women motocross race in Iran. From 30 applicants, 15 teens and women raced.
Slowly – too slowly – Iran is changing the way it regards women. But there is still a long way to go. It takes time and perseverance. Remember that American women fought for nearly 100 years before they were finally allowed to vote in 1920. And since then, America has only inched closer to gender equality in business, in politics, in the arts and in sports.
The only thing that can change this level of discrimination is you. Which is why I'm here.
I'm appealing to everyone committed to fighting for women's rights, to help me continue using motorcycle racing as the platform for my Do More, Be More campaign – my way of inspiring women to do as I did and pursue their dreams.
The funds we raise will be used to train with and learn from America's champion women motocross racers. This level of training would not be possible except for here in America. And it would serve two purposes: 1) to improve my racing skills so that I may compete (and win!) on the international circuit, bringing the world's attention squarely on Iran's need to improve its situation for women; and, 2) so that as a better rider, I can be a better teacher and continue inspiring women to show their strength and truly Do More and Be More.
It seems a lot of people are catching on to what I'm trying to do: I've gotten some international media coverage, including this video by CNN:
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/21/sport/iran-female-motocross-rider
Please support and share my journey for equality. From the mountains of Iran. To the motocross tracks in the U.S. and around the world.
My Do More, Be More campaign is co-sponsored by the passionate leadership of New York-based TavakPartners, a global strategic sports consulting firm.
My love affair with motorcycles began around the age of 15 after seeing another woman rider. Then I was hooked. And my dream of becoming a female motocross racer in a country that had none – was born. Soon I was riding up and down the mountains of northwestern Iran almost daily; until I was bold enough to ride in the streets – in my helmet and leathers, of course – so no one could tell I was a girl.
I so loved motorcycle riding, I knew I had to share this wonderful gift with other women. And I have; To date, I've trained 117 women to ride motorcycles. But I knew I wanted to do more. It took three long years to accomplish, but I was allowed to organize and compete in the first all-women motocross race in Iran. From 30 applicants, 15 teens and women raced.
Slowly – too slowly – Iran is changing the way it regards women. But there is still a long way to go. It takes time and perseverance. Remember that American women fought for nearly 100 years before they were finally allowed to vote in 1920. And since then, America has only inched closer to gender equality in business, in politics, in the arts and in sports.
The only thing that can change this level of discrimination is you. Which is why I'm here.
I'm appealing to everyone committed to fighting for women's rights, to help me continue using motorcycle racing as the platform for my Do More, Be More campaign – my way of inspiring women to do as I did and pursue their dreams.
The funds we raise will be used to train with and learn from America's champion women motocross racers. This level of training would not be possible except for here in America. And it would serve two purposes: 1) to improve my racing skills so that I may compete (and win!) on the international circuit, bringing the world's attention squarely on Iran's need to improve its situation for women; and, 2) so that as a better rider, I can be a better teacher and continue inspiring women to show their strength and truly Do More and Be More.
It seems a lot of people are catching on to what I'm trying to do: I've gotten some international media coverage, including this video by CNN:
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/21/sport/iran-female-motocross-rider
Please support and share my journey for equality. From the mountains of Iran. To the motocross tracks in the U.S. and around the world.
My Do More, Be More campaign is co-sponsored by the passionate leadership of New York-based TavakPartners, a global strategic sports consulting firm.
Organizer
Hooman Tavakolian
Organizer
Roslyn Heights, NY