Engines revved and helmets gleamed as the Bahrain Ladies Motorcycle Group took to the roads yesterday to celebrate International Female Ride Day (IFRD) – a global movement championing women’s passion and empowerment in the world of motorcycling.
Members gathered at The Courtyard in the Seef District before riding on to Janabiya via Zallaq.
The day concluded with a Zoom call linking the riders with fellow female motorcycling enthusiasts from around the world. The event also featured food, gifts and a photoshoot, offering attendees the chance to bond and celebrate their shared love of riding. IFRD provides a platform for women motorcyclists to meet other like-minded female riders and develop friendships. The 20th edition this year encourages women worldwide to ‘Just Ride!’.
The iconic IFRD logo, created in 2007, symbolises global reach (the Earth), and the open-face helmet highlights a woman’s face looking forward – always scanning the horizon. The design was updated this year to commemorate the programme’s 20th anniversary, acknowledging two decades of collective action. It honours not just the years but also the milestones – kilometres covered, first rides, breakthroughs and bold moments that have built the global movement.
Women across Bahrain who share a passion for motorcycling joined the celebrations, bringing to life their eventful journey on two wheels. Among them was Amena Shahrukh from Janabiya, who has dreamed of riding since she was a young girl and fondly recalled her experiences, particularly her time with the Bahrain Ladies Motorcycle Group.
“This has been an empowering journey of breaking stereotypes and finding a supportive ‘road family’ within the local community,” the 40-year-old told the GDN.
“I have always carried the dream of riding since I was a young girl, but it wasn’t until later in life that I took the leap to make it happen.
“The emotional breakthrough of realising a lifelong dream and participating in community support rides that align with my mission of inclusivity has been enriching,” added the proud owner of a Harley-Davidson.
“The synergy between my passion and my advocacy work has been the best part. As the author of ‘Manifest Differently Abled’, I see riding as a physical manifestation of the resilience and discipline that I champion in my book. It allows me to demonstrate that we can always pursue new horizons, regardless of the stage of life we are in.”
The Pakistani expatriate is an advocate for special needs individuals and the founder of Shahzaib’s Club House – a thriving community hub for the differently-abled and their families, inspired by her late son Mohammed Shahzaib Lali.
For Bahrain-based mountaineer Deepa Siva riding is more than a hobby as she feels the ‘most alive and powerful’. “It is a passion that represents freedom, strength and confidence. As a woman rider, it gives me a sense of independence and reminds me that courage has no gender,” said the Indian expatriate and adventure seeker who successfully scaled Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest peak in Africa – this year.
“Every ride challenges and empowers me, and reinforces the idea that women can own any road they choose because the road respects the woman who dares to ride it. To me riding is not just about the destination, it is about the mindset, the thrill and the belief in pushing beyond limits,” remarked the 45-year-old marketing executive from Juffair. While she could not take part in the event yesterday, she remains hopeful of returning soon. While a growing number of women across the kingdom are passionate about riding, Bahrain itself has emerged as a strong supporter of female motorcyclists. Alongside the all-women Bahrain Ladies Motorcycle Group, the island is home to several biking groups that actively include and welcome lady riders.
Adding to this support is the annual Pink Ride, a much-anticipated event held to raise awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer. Last year, 563 bikers, across 57 motorcycle groups from Bahrain and the region, staged a colourful, high-energy parade to show their solidarity with breast cancer ‘warriors’.
The event was organised in collaboration with Roy Ribeira, a long-standing supporter of the ride, and Think Pink: Bahrain Breast Cancer Society founder and president Dr Julie Sprakel.
Mr Ribeira described the event as a ‘message of hope, strength and support for every person affected by breast cancer’ in a previous report published in the GDN.
For her part, Dr Julie emphasised the importance of community-driven efforts in supporting breast cancer education, research, and early detection initiatives.
Those who are interested to join or follow the high-octane adventures of Bahrain Ladies Motorcycle Group can follow @bahrain.ladies.motorcycle on Instagram.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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