Bike marathon initiative to raise breast cancer awareness and fight stigma against women cyclists held in Syria’s Qamishli
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Eridu Center for Civil Society and Democracy and Shawishka Organization organized a bike marathon Tuesday evening on Siyahi street in Qamishli, as one of the activities of the initiative for breast cancer awareness.
The tenth month is the month dedicated to breast cancer awareness, and many initiatives are held for this disease and the initiative has carried out many activities such as the holding of awareness seminars in many cities in the region.
“This initiative is important for the northeastern Syrian community in general and the city of Qamishli in particular, because this initiative will be important to know the importance and role of women in the progress and development of any society, and will be the seed of openness for our girls and women,” said Liloz Mohammed, coordinator of the Ezdina Foundation in Qamishli and one of the marathon participants.
She added that this month is breast cancer awareness month, and that “this awareness must be widespread among all segments of society – men, youth, and women.”
Nearly 30 women from all parts of the city participated in the marathon, ranging in age from 18 to 40, and there was a simple participation of some young people and children.
Lina Saliba, Coordinator in Eridu Center for Civil Society and Democracy, said that “there are a lot of women who want to ride bicycles because they are low-cost and help them get to work.”
“In collaboration with the Eridu Center for Civil Society and Democracy, we started the initiative named ‘Because You are the Flower of a Lifetime’ in the 10th month because it is breast cancer awareness month and this marathon is one of the activities,” Andera Walika, an official in the Shawishka Organization, said.
“The first aim of the marathon is to educate women to carry out the necessary tests for breast cancer, especially since a center has been opened in Qamishli for early detection of breast cancer with full medical equipment and staff,” she added.
“The marathon is to encourage women to ride a bike, and not to pay attention to negative opinions from society, because cycling does not affect the environment and is a sport for the body,” she added.