In the bustling streets of Tehran, a growing number of women on motorbikes and scooters are challenging long-standing social norms in Iran. At the forefront of this change is Maryam Ghelich, a certified motorbike instructor who has spent over a decade training women to ride, often in the face of social scrutiny and legal ambiguity. What was once considered an exclusively male pursuit is now slowly gaining acceptance.

Ghelich recalls learning to ride at night to avoid attention over her attire and lack of a licence. Today, she has trained hundreds of women, with demand for lessons surging in recent months. According to her, changing social attitudes and family acceptance have encouraged more women to take up motorcycling, both for daily commuting and competitive racing.

Despite visible progress, the issue of licensing remains unresolved. While Iranian traffic laws do not explicitly ban women from riding motorcycles, authorities have yet to issue licences to them in practice. This legal grey area leaves women vulnerable in the event of accidents, as they can be held responsible regardless of fault, a concern raised by several women riders.

Also Read: Do Not Divide Gandhi’s Legacy, Shashi Tharoor Warns Amid MGNREGA Row

Government officials have offered mixed signals on the matter. While some authorities maintain there is no legal prohibition on women riding motorcycles, conservative figures continue to cite religious dress codes and cultural values as obstacles. Critics argue that mandatory hijab and loose clothing requirements complicate safe riding and contradict Islamic norms.

The rise of women bikers reflects a broader pushback against restrictive social rules, particularly since the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. Riders say enforcement has eased in practice, with police often showing leniency. For many women, motorcycling represents more than transport—it is a statement of independence and resilience in a changing Iranian society.

Also Read: Elephant Maimed by Explosive-Filled Food in Suspected Poaching Attack in Odisha