Dig deeper into these different cultural beliefs about cycling and talk about how they came about

pull together some really extreme “headlines” about cycling from around the world, showing really opposing views and extreme scenarios

how design represents cycling differently in different cultures?

analyse how clubs, bike manufacturers etc promote themselves in different cultures and how this leans into the stereotypes you’re talking about.

the power to instigate political change, improve wellbeing/health and empower communities

some analysis around the role of design in the cycling world

are cycling adverts (in Iran) totally aimed at men?

analysis on the representation of cycling/cyclists and how design has contributed to the stereotypes that have formed

explain how your project might break down the stereotypes/myths around cycling and tell a more gritty, but real story

demonstrate that cycling is more than the common cliches. You should argue this point and shatter perception

It has the power to instigate political change, improve wellbeing/health and empower communities

explore, in particular, view cycling through a global and social context.

Wondering if I should try contacting Maartje van Putten from Kindermoort? Do I need first-hand for this subject? There’s already a lot of information and Izzie from Journalism is looking at producing an article already.

• Look into South East Asia for stories (and everywhere else)
• Develop the Critical Report

I basically need stories/information to shock and inspire; in the case of the women in Iraq, what’s happening to them and what are they doing about it?

The prominent grey area for me is that many of the stories I’ve seen so far are a few years old, so what’s the current situation? Basically I think women are fighting for their simple rights and I think the bike campaign is an example of the issues faced. There are areas within Baghdad that are more conservative than others and then you have a large country outside of Baghdad also.

Ideally, I need some examples; what’s the cause and effect from both sides?

Society is slowly opening up in some regards such as 5 years ago you would never see a girl smoke shisha in a café. Families wouldn’t allow it and neither did society. However since then it’s a common sight to see groups of girls out around Baghdad in cafes, restaurants smoking shishas.

What actions do the authorities take to stop women cycling, and what’s the women’s reaction? How do those in charge respond to that reaction, and what is the risk?

The government doesn’t prohibit women cycling. A misconception we’ve seen by people in the West, even those visiting, is how different Iraq is from what they perceived. Women are active members of society, they run businesses, work, go to mixed gyms, drive etc. Up until recently the Mayor of Baghdad was a woman. That doesn’t say there aren’t issues, there definitely are. How they came about is complex though.

In recent history we had the Iran Iraq war, sanctions which crippled every family and made life virtually unbearable, then the illegal invasions. The invasions caused the destruction of all aspects of the country, apparently to rid us of 1 man. However what caused long lasting destruction was the sacking of the entire police and military and the appointment by the Americans of corrupt individuals into power who had no experience whatsoever of running a country. There was no security in Iraq, kidnappings became very common, suicide bombings occurred multiple times a day (something Iraq had never ever experienced), then ISIS came about and now COVID.

But go back to photos of people in the 1980s, Iraq was a very open, educated society. With all the problems above I think brings conservatism and religion is used as a form of control, in this case mostly a twisted version of religion to suit those in power’s desires. And because the education sector was also destroyed by the invasion, restarting it and updating it in a corrupt society has been virtually non existent.

Is the pursuit of cycling promoted in any way, in advertising, etc.? If so, is that just aimed towards men?

No advertising that I’ve seen. I’ve heard once a tv channel tried to promote cycling , but just men joined it.

I’ve read that it isn’t illegal for women to cycle, just that it’s ‘discouraged’, and mainly focussed around religion. How accurate is that?

It’s in no way illegal to ride a bike however it’s got nothing to do with actual religion. Perhaps a point to that would be if it were to do with religion, say Islam then we would see Christian women cycling but we don’t.

What reasons are given why women shouldn’t ride?

It’s now seen as socially not accepted as women stopped riding bikes because people think it affects a woman’s virginity. And people think it gives women pleasure and they make uncomfortable comments to women.

Is cycling being used to highlight a broader problem in attitudes towards women?

No

What’s the outcome you’re working towards?

I was trying to normalise cycling, to make it familiar as I believe people aren’t used to seeing it, apart from elderly people that remember cycling by women being normal in society. Or perhaps some of those that travel. Travel for Iraqis up until perhaps 5 years ago was very difficult. They used to go up to the Kurdistan area of Iraq for holidays as it was safe and no visa was required. However Turkey gave visas online so now most Iraqis go to Turkey on holiday or to live there, which is a very open society.

I’ve read that it’s a similar situation in Iran and Saudi Arabia. Do you know if that’s right, are some worse than others?

I have no idea to be honest. Saudi Arabia has the driving issue which was made legal recently however women there I’m sure have the same issue as Iraqi women cycling.

Are there any males speaking out from the same side as the women? If so, would the consequences be the same?

Yes there are men speaking up for women’s rights.

When I was asked to do the Female Bike Marathon in Baghdad, 60% of those that came were males. They were boyfriends, husbands, brothers and friends coming to show their support. I did receive some abuse, mainly on social media but as my husband said, Mother Teresa could give £1 million to the poor and some people would still throw negative comments online.

The Commander of Baghdad Operations, a very high up individual, also turned up to the marathon to congratulate me. In terms of the military and police forces, especially those at checkpoints, they’ve always been very supportive of the public. For the marathon they closed of Abu Nawas Road to traffic which no one asked them to but they did it as there’s no cycle paths and they were worried for the safety of so many cyclists amongst cars. And Abu Nawas is a main, very very busy road.

A YouTube clip introduces Masih and the organisation. It also has examples of the harassment women have had when not wearing the hijab. It also shows the support.

I’d like to use part of the soundtrack for the section tackling this issue; call it a concept and do it anyway?

Does her pointing me towards the resources mean I can use them?