It takes balls to be a racer, whether you're male or female. One of the best compliments I've been given this season was when a respected colleague told me I had bigger balls than he did, I just wore them somewhat higher up my torso. But my balls are nothing compared to those possessed by the Speed Sisters, an all-female team of Palestinian racers. Whatever issues Western women face in pursuing their motorsport goals pale into |
insignificance when you consider trying to get a racing career off the ground on the West Bank. Sure, sponsorship deals might be tough, but at least you have access to things like ambulances and a sky not filled with al-Quds and returning Israeli fire.
Of course, that's a political problem that transcends the artificial divisions of class, race, and gender. Nothing is easy on the West Bank.
But the Speed Sisters are a paradigm-shifting group of women who have thumbed their noses at regional conservatism, and who race on equal terms with their male colleagues. And that's not particularly easy either.
Finding cars on the West Bank is a problem for both genders, but - as tends to be the case in Europe - it's still easier for men to find race seats and sponsors. At least, it was until the British Consulate decided to sponsor the Speed Sisters' training and bring over some European racing coaches to help the women fine-tune their skills.
The bigger problem is cultural. While the Speed Sisters have been accepted by their rivals, the more traditional segments of Muslim society consider the lady racers to be committing haram, an Islamic term that means going against the word of Allah.
In 2010, the team were subject to regional controversy when they welcomed Sahar Jawabrah into the fold. Jawabrah races with a hijab under her helmet, and religious elders were opposed to a Muslim woman behaving in what they perceived to be an unladylike fashion.
Religion is a perennial problem, as the Speed Sisters are made up of Muslims and Christians alike. Instead of being applauded for finding new ways to break down barriers and begin dialogue, the women have faced criticism from both sides.
So far, the Speed Sisters have only competed at local events. But, given access to increased funding, they hope to begin competing on an international level. Here's hoping they reach their goal. If not? At least they've had the (massive) balls to try.
Kate Walker is F1 Editor of girlracer and Assistant Editor of GP Week. Follow her on Twitter @F1Kate, or read more of her writing at www.f1katewalker.com.
Of course, that's a political problem that transcends the artificial divisions of class, race, and gender. Nothing is easy on the West Bank.
But the Speed Sisters are a paradigm-shifting group of women who have thumbed their noses at regional conservatism, and who race on equal terms with their male colleagues. And that's not particularly easy either.
Finding cars on the West Bank is a problem for both genders, but - as tends to be the case in Europe - it's still easier for men to find race seats and sponsors. At least, it was until the British Consulate decided to sponsor the Speed Sisters' training and bring over some European racing coaches to help the women fine-tune their skills.
The bigger problem is cultural. While the Speed Sisters have been accepted by their rivals, the more traditional segments of Muslim society consider the lady racers to be committing haram, an Islamic term that means going against the word of Allah.
In 2010, the team were subject to regional controversy when they welcomed Sahar Jawabrah into the fold. Jawabrah races with a hijab under her helmet, and religious elders were opposed to a Muslim woman behaving in what they perceived to be an unladylike fashion.
Religion is a perennial problem, as the Speed Sisters are made up of Muslims and Christians alike. Instead of being applauded for finding new ways to break down barriers and begin dialogue, the women have faced criticism from both sides.
So far, the Speed Sisters have only competed at local events. But, given access to increased funding, they hope to begin competing on an international level. Here's hoping they reach their goal. If not? At least they've had the (massive) balls to try.
Kate Walker is F1 Editor of girlracer and Assistant Editor of GP Week. Follow her on Twitter @F1Kate, or read more of her writing at www.f1katewalker.com.
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