Iranian women are also defying the taboo of riding motorcycles (and without a license)

"On August 10, 2024, the Iranian Motorcycle and Automobile Federation announced that the country would participate for the first time in the Asian Women's Motocross Cup, held that month in Thailand. Iran's representative was Arezou Abedini, a professional motocross rider who competes in championships and is often photographed performing incredible jumps on two wheels. However, she doesn't have a motorcycle license. Neither does any other Iranian woman."

"Women in Iran can drive cars, buses, and even pilot commercial airplanes, but they cannot legally operate two-wheeled motor vehicles because the law regulating such licenses only mentions men. This is yet another misogynistic rule that a growing number of Iranian women are challenging. The sight of girls on scooters, mothers taking their children to school on motorcycles, or even, in rarer cases, women riding high-powered motorcycles is no longer unusual in Iranian cities."

"The phenomenon is becoming so commonplace that the demand for training to ride these vehicles is also increasing. Unable to enroll in a driving school, these women are signing up for courses at closed circuits and motorcycle clubs. Sometimes, these courses are taught by other women, either professionals or simply experienced riders. Some of them have been riding for years at training centers or at night, taking advantage of the deserted streets."

Iran entered the Asian Women's Motocross Cup with Arezou Abedini as its representative, despite Abedini and all Iranian women lacking legal motorcycle licenses because the licensing law mentions only men. Women can drive cars, buses, and fly commercial airplanes but cannot legally operate two-wheeled motor vehicles. Many women are defying the ban, riding scooters and motorcycles in cities and prompting growing demand for riding training. Unable to join driving schools, women enroll in closed circuits and motorcycle clubs where some courses are taught by female riders. Photographers and documentary outlets have documented the trend while authorities show limited, inconsistent tolerance.

Read at english.elpais.com