About 1,000 women are expected to participate in a car rally from Mumbai to Aamby Valley near Lonavala on March 5 ahead of International Women’s Day.
The main objective of the ‘Women’s Rally to the Valley’ is to spread the message of women’s safety, said Western India Automobile Association (WIAA), which is organising the event in partnership with Aamby Valley and JK Tyres. The all-women car rally will commence from Hotel Sahara Star near the airport at 7 a.m. and proceed through major landmarks such as Worli Sea Face, Peddar Road, Girgaum Chowpatty, Marine Drive and Churchgate before concluding at Aamby Valley.
Nitin Dossa, executive chairman, WIAA said, “Our prime focus is on creating awareness of road safety. This initiative will spread awareness of women’s safety on roads, public transport and public places.”
‘Urgent need’
Mr. Dossa said, “This is an issue that needs urgent attention as the number of attacks on women is growing. Our aim is to help women voice their safety concerns to demand a safe city and create awareness among the people to build a society that would ensure women’s safety.”
WIAA has invited all ‘free-spirited’ women to come and participate in the third edition of the rally. A team of celebrities is expected to be present at key points along the race route. The organisers have approached the traffic police to ensure a smooth ride for the women drivers and will depute volunteers throughout the route to ensure their safety.
The organisers have also made a provision for lunch and entertainment at the finishing point at 4 p.m. The participants will then return to Mumbai. The last year’s edition witnessed the participation of over 1,000 women with close to 240 cars taking part in the rally.
