ride for rights: UN seeks cyclists for vietnam trip

In March 2017, the United Nations National Committee for Women will be holding a ‘Ride for Rights’ across northern Vietnam to raise money for victims of domestic violence.

Statistics from the United Nations have claimed that women in Vietnam experience higher rates of violence than many other countries around the world – around 58 per cent of married or previously married women have experienced domestic violence at some point in their lives.

The ride will begin in traditional Hoi An, and the 13 days of cycling across Vietnam will end in the cosmopolitan city of Hanoi, culminating in a visit to the United Nation’s ‘Women’s Ending Violence Against Women’ project.

The Ride for Rights website boasts the participants’ opportunity to take a traditional Vietnamese cooking class in Hanoi, before being taken on a tour of the One UN House, along with meeting with UN Women Vietnam program staff.

Those who wish to register are expected to hit a $3,500 fundraising target, and will have the opportunity to create a large impact in the lives of Vietnamese women.

The UN asserts that only $95 can deliver a community education program to change men and boys’ attitudes towards violence and abuse, while $873 can support a safe house that protects women from domestic violence.

The combined efforts of all those who wish to participate in the Ride for Rights challenge will have a substantial impact on the nation’s ability to care for survivors and prevent domestic violence.

The challenge is ranked as a moderate aerobic challenge, and although the organisation is not requiring any cycling experience prior to registration, they claim that the challenge has been designed for adventurous types with relatively high levels of fitness.

It has been recommended in the months leading up to the challenge, participants increase their exposure to aerobic exercises such as running, cycling and stair climbing, which will improve their cardiovascular fitness and improve their stamina in preparation for the challenge.

If there ever has been an incentive to get fit and hop back on the bike, the Ride for Rights is it.

Along with touring beautiful Northern Vietnam, you will take the beautiful sites: rice paddy fields, sugar palm plantations and traditional Vietnamese villages just to name a few.

If you’re up for a challenge and are passionate about changing domestic violence statistics around the world, the Ride for Rights is perfect for you!

 

You can register here.