January 24th, 2010

Saklaoui during the Butterfly Rally in Tunisia

Hamida Saklaoui, a Tunisian motorcycle champion, is starting the Association of Female Motorcyclists in Tunisia—the first ever in the Arab world. As part of the association they will help train women for rallies and also to help them to get their motorcycle license.

There is certainly excitement in the region. Dorra Laouati, a fellow motorcycle enthusiast said the association is “a dream come true.” Saklaoui is doing this as much for her fellow Tunisians as she is for herself. “Many girls who are enthusiastic about driving motorcycles called me to create a club for women in order to train and prepare them for local and international races.”

It’s great to see Saklaoui empowering other women from her own country to follow their passion for motorsports. Here’s hoping other countries follow suit. Hopefully this club is just the beginning.

The 6th annual Rallye des Papillions (Butterfly Rally) begins today  in Tunisia and runs through March 21st. Take a look at the Rallye des Papillons website (in French only).