My dear women of Pakistan

Would you believe if I told you that I ride a bike across towns in Karachi for a living?

I find it unbelievable at times.

I zip through Karachi's tangled and somewhat impassable streets, and see people looking at me with surprise in their eyes. But I carry on with a smile.

For the last six weeks, this has been my life's most rewarding experience. I know I'm encouraging many women who see me riding my bike.

I know I'm challenging the norm and delivering smiles, every single day. The realisation keeps me going.

But let me tell you this hasn't been easy.

People forbade me from taking up the job as a female food delivery rider. To dampen my spirit, they narrated horrifying stories; some about road accidents, some about harassment.

But I was not convinced.

I had very few people in life who supported my plans; my father taught me how to ride a bike and my friends helped me stand tall in the face of criticism, encouraging me to persevere.

What about customers you ask?

Each door I knocked, each bell I rang, I saw surprised faces that swiftly filled with warmth and respect within minutes. Most of my customers even offer me a meal and some water.

Some have even been praising my efforts on social media.

I've been lucky. I've been brave.

The company I work for went out of the way to help pare down my fears; I was naturally afraid at the first day of my job.

My team, especially Amir bhai, at foodpanda helped me understand how orders are picked and delivered, and how the app functions.

I am even allowed to set my own shift hours as I like.

They call me api (sister) and teach me stuff just like my family.

I worked on my communications skills; I faced all types of customer feedback and comments, and did my best to handle tough situations.

I am telling my story today so I am able to reach out to all you women across Pakistan who think they will be unable to upend gender roles because log kya kahenge (what will people say).

Today I offer bike riding lessons to all my female friends to empower them. I know I'm playing a small but meaningful role in uplifting the women of Pakistan.

You know what they say about me?

Kiran? Kiran sab karlegi. (Kiran can do it all)

Today I'm doing this, tomorrow I know I'll do much more.

I have just one message for you all.

I want each one of you to have faith. I want you to encourage all women and help them reclaim public spaces like I do.

Stand for each other. Don't let anyone discourage you by saying ghar beth jao (sit at home).

If I can do it, you can do it.

Your foodpanda hero,

Kiran

14/7/2020

Last name of the rider is kept confidential to ensure privacy.

Kiran joined foodpanda Pakistan as a delivery hero six weeks ago. Since then, she has completed over 100 successful orders. Coming from a conservative family, Kiran was previously a stay-at-home mom who wanted to support her family financially.

Anyone can become a foodpanda rider. To register, head over to: http://bit.ly/rozgar

This content is produced in paid partnership with foodpanda Pakistan and is not associated with or necessarily reflective of the views of Dawn.com or its editorial staff.