IN a show of empowerment and independence, women ― and those who identify as women ― took to the streets to fight for women’s rights to food, clean energy, and climate justice.

In celebration of International Women’s Month, the first-ever All-Women Pedal for People and Planet (PPP) kicked off its bike activity on March 12 at six in the morning. Participants were lady bikers from Cagayan de Oro City, including bike groups like the CDO Lady Biker’s Group.

“The CDO Lady Biker's Group would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all who made the All-Women Pedal for People and Planet event a huge success. We are grateful for the opportunity to have participated in an event that promoted both sustainable transportation and environmental awareness,” Lory Buslon, president, said.

“The event not only provided a platform for our group to bond and showcase our passion for cycling, but also gave us the chance to meet and connect with other like-minded individuals and groups,” she added.

GIRL POWER. Who runs the world, the song lyrics ask. Apparently, it's women! Around 70 women bikers from Cagayan de Oro City took part in the All-Women Pedal for People and Planet bike activity at 6 am on March 12. Photo by Pat Jared V. Pangantihon

The bike ride started off from Rodelsa Circle to SM Uptown and then headed down to Balulang-Macasandig bridge finishing back to Rodelsa Circle. Around 70 participants joined, including some spouses and male friends of the lady bikers who were in solidarity with the event’s theme.

“I am happy to have taken part in an activity that showcased women's empowerment. Our organization has been supporting the PPP activities since it first happened in Cagayan de Oro way back in 2021, and it’s nice that this time it’s all about us women,” Lenin Amidala Corrales, Youth for Climate Justice- Cagayan de Oro secretary and co-organizer of the event said.

PEDAL FOR EARTH. It’s all-out women empowerment, as women from the CDO Lady Bikers Group present their calls for a cleaner fossil fuel-free future. They participated in the first All-Women Pedal for People and Planet on March 12. Photo by Pat Jared V. Pangantihon

The first PPP ride in Cagayan de Oro City was in October 2021, and in 2022 there were four events that commemorated Earth Day, World Environment Day, and Conference of Parties 28. This year will also see more bike activities to be hosted by PPP.

“We are inspired by the collective effort of everyone who participated in the event and looks forward to supporting future initiatives with PPP. We believe that events like these are essential in building a community that values sustainability and advocates for a better planet. We are proud to have been a part of it and will continue to encourage more women to join the movement towards a healthier and more sustainable future,” Buslon said.