Women’s participation in motorsport growing: Faten Amin

TDT | Manama                                        

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

Report by Julia Cassano

Women’s participation in motorsport has thoroughly increased in recent years, thanks to the growing trend of fans’ acceptance towards women joining the sport.

Faten Amin, the first Bahraini woman to be recognised in the FIA Volunteers and Officials Awards as Best Chief Observer of the Year, told The Daily Tribune: “There are a variety of barriers women face in any sport, however, the main obstacle involves the community’s acceptance to women participating in a male-dominated field.

“Many possess the perception that motorsport is only associated with men, which is simply not true, and we are seeing this start to change.”

Over recent years, female sport has significantly risen, creating a sense of normalcy around women’s participation in the sport.

“With time, I have seen the barriers women face slowly fade as perceptions and opinions start to change with new generations, and with this, we are starting to see more women joining the sport,” Faten said.

Motorsport has significantly evolved in technical terms over the years; however, Faten noted that seeing women’s involvement in the sport is crucial, especially for young fans seeing a role model to look up to. “It is great seeing more women in motorsport, but it is important to also remember the other women involved in the process such as the technical side.

That has made a great impact in recent times regarding women’s involvement,” she voiced.

As more women are involved around the paddock, working as mechanics, drivers, and engineers, this shifts the negative perception of women in sports, and allows young girls who aspire for a career in motorsport, a chance to see inspirational role models, in both strategic positions and driving positions.

Discussing the progress made in past years is crucial to look to the future.

What does the future of motorsport look like for women?

Faten believes more leaders, race directors, mechanics, and drivers will be women in the future.

“As we see the sport grow in various ways, with changes in society, we will see the progression of women in the sport.

As more women participate, it encourages others to be inspired or enlightened by it, and motivates others to join the rising,” she said.

Faten noted her hopes and aspirations for the future highlighting Bahrain as a country with immense potential to participate in the growth of women in motorsport, which can certainly encourage women in the Kingdom to take part.