“WOMEN’S RALLY TO THE VALLEY” CONCLUDES WITH A MESSAGE OF SAFETY OF WOMEN

WIAA celebrates International Women’s Day by honoring outstanding women drivers 

 The rally witnessed more than 1000 women participants and 260 cars driving from Mumbai to Aamby Valley for a cause 

by Shrutee K/DNS

Mumbai, 9 March, 2017: Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) celebrated the International Women’s Day 2017 by honoring the participants of the third edition of the “Women’s Rally to the Valley”. The winners of the rally, held on Sunday, 5^th March, in association with the Aamby Valley City and JK Tyres, were felicitated in a grand ceremony at Hotel Sahara Star in Mumbai on Friday evening.

The one-of-its-kind rally on Sunday witnessed an enthusiastic participation of more than 1000 women drivers and around 260 cars. Spreading awareness on Women’s Safety, all woman participants displayed impactful social messages on their cars. 

The rally was flagged off by Mrs. Valsa Nair Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Government of Maharashtra. The rally commenced from Hotel Sahara Star and proceeded through some of the key landmarks of the city including Worli Sea Face, Peddar Road, Chowpatty, Marine Drive, Churchgate and finally culminated at the Aamby Valley City near Lonavala. The women drivers had a smooth ride as volunteers stationed at every point ensured the safety of all Women Riders. The traffic on roads was also excellently managed with the support of the traffic police officials.

Speaking about the immensely popular annual event in the city, Mr. Nitin Dossa, Executive Chairman, Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) said, “WIAA’s ‘Women’s Rally to the Valley’ is an initiative to spread awareness about various issues affecting women through a creative display of impactful social messages related to the women’s safety. The third edition of ‘Women’s Rally to The Valley’ is WIAA’s attempt to encourage women to voice themselves and demand a safe society. We are happy to witness enthusiastic participation from over 260 cars participated with more 1000 women across the city from different walks of life. What a way to celebrate Women’s Day!!! Power to the women of the world.”

Speaking at the occasion, Prateek Tandon, Head – Events & Promotions at Aamby Valley City, said "Women – whether as Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, Friends or even as individuals and gender groups – have important role to play in everyone’s life. They put all their strength to fit in each and every role they take up and play it to their best. A number of Indian women have also made the country proud with their achievements. We are happy to see increased participation in this year’s rally. More than 1000 woman participants spreading the message of women safety deserves a standing ovation. The all-women rally captured multiple aspects - fun, adventure and spirit of the Indian women, combined with their passion for the social cause. Hotel Sahara Star and Aamby Valley City congratulate and thank the WIAA for this association. We also take this opportunity to thank the police officials who have helped us managing the traffic and making the ride a smooth one.”

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Head JK Motorsports, a venture of JK Tyre & Industries said, “At J K Tyre, we proactively keep women’s safety in mind while designing our products. For us, it’s all about caring for people by making their lives safer leading to a cohesive development of the society. Women are special and through the ‘Women’s Rally to the Valley’ event, organized for celebrating International Women’s Day, we aim to recognize the extraordinary contribution made by generations of women to our society.”

About Western India Automobile Association (WIAA): The Western India Automobile Association is the largest Automobile Association in South Asia. It has grown from strength of 500 members - all Englishmen - to with over 1,10,000 members today and the scope of its activities extends to cover major cities in Western India. The Association is headquartered in Mumbai, and offers its services in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Goa. The Association has six branch offices apart from the HO in Mumbai, and it offers to all its members a wide variety of services ranging from issuing of learners' licenses to legal advice on motoring issues. Apart from its original aims and objectives, the Association also undertakes to promote tourism within the country. The WIAA is actively in touch with its counterparts in other countries, giving them the necessary travel information as a part of its program to attract tourists in India. The WIAA also has reciprocal service arrangements with other Automobile Associations and Clubs all over the world.