Female motorcyclist tours against domestic violence and discrimination

In order to show people around the world what women can do and draw attention to the domestic violence that Turkish women are experiencing, Asil Özbay of Istanbul Gedik University's Faculty of Sports Sciences has launched a project titled "One Woman, One Motorcycle, 10 Countries."

Aiming to draw a portrait of an independent and courageous woman, Özbay sees herself as a young woman who will break out from her identity as a young academic and become free with her motorcycle. Özbay will soon embark on a 20-day, 8,000-kilometer solo adventure on her motorcycle during her tour of the Balkans and stop in Albania, Montenegro, Greece, Slovenia, Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo and Bulgaria. She will also share the photographs she will take during her travels, documenting her experiences moment-by-moment with her followers via her Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages.

"The number of domestic violence cases against women increases every day. Every step that will help to raise awareness on this issue counts. This project aims to draw attention to the violence against women while showing the world that there are no boundaries for what women can do," Özbay said. Stressing that female homicide, the restriction of women's rights and the obligation of women to have their guard up at all times are the bleeding wounds of Turkey, she said: "The project 'One Woman, One Motorcycle, 10 Countries' came into being in order to draw attention to this wound. The media uses passive and powerless female images in contrast to images of the powerful and active male. As women are usually positioned within the frame of these images, they are scarcely seen as individuals who have authority or high social status. I want to create a powerful portrait for women in the Turkish media through the project I have launched. Turkey has to cover a very long distance until its women are free. I aim to make an image of an independent and courageous woman visible though my cross-country journey with my motorcycle."

Born in 1985, Özbay has been riding a motorcycle for 10 years. The young academic is also a paragliding pilot and interested in extreme sports and photography. Daily Sabah spoke with her before she sets off on her adventure.

Daily Sabah: How did you begin riding a motorcycle?

Asil Özbay: First of all, I have a weakness that I cannot resist things with wheels. I had a skateboard, roller skates and a bicycle. In fact, I tried to do acrobatic moves with a bicycle for a while. I love activities that require good balance. I also wrote my master's thesis on the abilities that require balance. Balance is a concept that I give a lot of thought to and something that I want to be good at. Balance is important in our lives, especially in our relationships. It is fascinating to feel this in your social life.

DS: How did the project come into being and what is your target?

AÖ: It is a project that centers on the theme of being female. To begin with, I want to show people that women can go beyond the limits imposed on them, even though some people block our way. I chose a way that is familiar to me: Freedom, individuality, roads and a motorcycle. Everybody should discover the essence of their lives and realize their dreams according to this essence no matter what. Female homicide, restricting women's rights and the obligation of women to have their guard up at all times are the bleeding wounds of all of us. The "One Woman, One Motorcycle, 10 Countries" project emerged in order to draw attention to this wound.

DS: Can you tell us more about the route you will take?

AÖ: It will be a 20-day tour that will include 10 countries, such as Albania, Montenegro, Greece, Slovenia, Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo and Bulgaria. I will cover about 8,000 kilometers with my motorcycle.

DS: Can you evaluate the motorcycle industry and market in Turkey?

AÖ: First of all, there is a bond between motorcycle riders all over the world. When you are stranded on the road, a huge team comes up to help you. This is a powerful and stable relationship. When we look at Turkey, however, unfortunately motorcycle education is lacking.

DS: How do you feel before beginning your journey? How does your family feel?

AÖ: I traveled by myself with my motorcycle before in Turkey, but each journey is different from another. I do not want to dream; I want to experience what life puts before me. I want to embrace what life offers me and be on the road without any expectations. I am not sensitive about the route. In the end, it is something that you do with your soul. I will probably be where my soul takes me despite all the hours I spent planning my route. Of course, my family is worried. Motorcycling is something that troubles them. However, they always make their support felt. They respect my ideas and thoughts. My friends are incredibly supportive as well.