In a significant advancement for motorsport, the FIA has introduced a new global development initiative aimed at women in the field. The ‘Women in Motorsport Mentorship Programme’ is designed to connect accomplished professionals with individuals seeking to develop or initiate their careers in this sector.
“It is important that motor sport diversifies, and here at the FIA we are committed to making our sport more accessible to all,” Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said.
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The programme was officially launched by Sara Mariani, Director of the FIA Sustainability and Diversity & Inclusion Department, alongside notable figures including Fatma Samoura, former FIFA Secretary General and current FIA Senate member; Burcu Cetinkaya, Chair of the Women in Motorsport Commission; Fabiana Ecclestone, FIA Vice President for Sport – South America; Pernilla Solberg, Chair of the WRC Commission; and Tanya Kutsenko, FIA EDI Consultant, at the FIA 2024 Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The launch event was also connected live to the FIA Women in Motorsport networking event occurring in Le Mans.
The programme is now open for applications.
This initiative aims to promote personal and professional growth by pairing less experienced individuals—referred to as mentees—with more seasoned professionals—mentors. This connection seeks to cultivate a culture of learning, growth, and collaboration among women in motorsport.
“This new programme will help to create a network of support and learning for women,” Ben Sulayem added. “Ensuring accessibility and opening up new opportunities in line with our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. I am proud to work with so many accomplished women in our sport and I champion their voices.”
Mentors will offer guidance, support, and valuable insights to assist mentees in navigating their professional journeys, sharing their knowledge and experiences to accelerate the development of their mentees.
The programme will be hosted online, utilizing a digital platform that allows for flexible and accessible interaction regardless of participants’ locations. This online format facilitates ease of scheduling and resource sharing.
The application process for club participation and individual registrations has been designed for efficiency. Each club will receive a dedicated email with a unique link for applications. Clubs may nominate up to two participants, and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
At the FIA, diversity is encouraged across the board, with the federation committed to building better and more accessible pathways into Motor Sport and mobility alike. Established in 2009, the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission has helped change the sport’s culture to better facilitate and value the participation of women in all aspects.
From developing programmes like this to advance female participation on and off the track, to raising awareness of the huge diversity of industry roles available to women, the commission – and the FIA – are demonstrating that women are not just recognised, but supported, by the highest body responsible for motor sport.
Photos/FIA/X
