Tunisian motorcyclists react to Arab championship ban on female racers
2009-05-22
In an attempt to placate "some Gulf countries", the Arab Motorcycle Federation decided not to allow Tunisian women racers to participate in the upcoming Arab Championship.
By Jamel Arfaoui for Magharebia in Tunis – 22/05/09
 [File] Tunisian female motorcyclist Hamida Saklaoui decries ban on female bikers at Arab Championship event. |
Tunisian female motorcyclists will not be allowed to participate in the first Arab championship, the Arab Motorcycle Federation announced last week. The ruling drew strong reactions from Tunisian athletes.
"The decision was made to avoid any embarrassment to some Gulf countries, where women are not allowed to drive cars," Chakib Brahmi, president of the Tunisia-based federation, said at a news conference Saturday (May 16th). He said federation management had advised the Tunisian women participants of the decision to limit Tunisia's representation to male racers, including champion Anis Nabeli.
Brahmi explained that the federation took the decision in anticipation of what could take place in the future. Brahmi confirmed that he didn't want to give the International Motorcycle Federation the opportunity to cancel the Arab championship if it were to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, where women's participation would be rejected.
"We don't want to reach that stage, especially as the Arab championship is a regular event."
To support this point, Brahmi recalled the FIM's decision to cancel the Saudi Hael Rally this year, three years after its launch, because Saudi Arabia banned a UAE racer from participation. The racer's assistant was a Russian woman.
"We don't want to run into a similar situation while the Arab championship is at its start. We have to change things gradually," he said.
Tunisia is the only Arab national team to include female motorcyclists. And they are not happy about the decision.
"How can these decisions be accepted when the championship is held in Egypt?" said Tunisian motorcyclist and Maghreb champion Hamida Saklaoui. "They can enforce their laws and regulations within their own borders. But to enforce these laws on us is something that no one can accept."
Some observers predicted that Saklaoui would win the championship if allowed to participate.
Tunisian auto racing champion Hend Chaouch was also upset about the news "because it shows discrimination against women", she said. "Tunisian women have to be proud of the freedoms they have achieved."
But Chaouch is less optimistic about solving the problem. Tunisia will be the only voice fighting back, she said, and Saudi Arabia has an influence on the federation because of its generous contributions.
"We were wishing that our participation would be complete with the presence of our female champions," said Anis Nabeli, who is getting ready to participate in the Egypt Rally. "We hope there will be a solution for that situation as soon as possible. This discrimination against women is no longer acceptable."
On the street, many people were surprised by the decision.
"I can't believe what I'm hearing," said student Khadija ben Amor. "I hope it is just a rumour, because I can't believe that Tunisia would submit to these decisions which affect the core of our modern gains. By these gains I mean the personal status law which we have been proud of for more than half a century."
Nadia ben Jmaii was more understanding:"Every country has its own systems and laws and we are required to respect them."
Later this year, sources told Magharebia, Tunisia will host the Arab Motorcycle Championship and female participants will be allowed to participate under the FIM umbrella.
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df Posted 2009-05-22
Who has got a hold of the handlebars!? It is always the same equality for women, and it is always the same one-armed man standing in the way!!! But the wheel keeps on spinning!
Tounsi_Sansplus Posted 2009-05-23
The reaction should not belong to Tunisian 'bikers', but to all Tunisians. Simply put, boycott any and all types of events if they are held with such segregation. We are tired of this sort of behaviour. The 'Arab' Federations of Motorcycling needs to simple stop existing. Let us for once be respectful of our mothers and sisters, who are, at the same time, our friends, fiancées, spouses and so on!!! Need I say more?
tounsi_sansplus Posted 2009-05-23
Indeed Chakib, in order to be proper, I believe that you should resign from your position. You are simply unworthy of representing Tunisian athletes and speaking in the name of Tunisian society. It would be better to propose the cancelling of the Arab Championships or the exclusion of any country practicing this sort of segregation and denouncing them before international bodies (the UN among all the others) these sorts of practices while also learning about the stances intelligent people take. Do you remember that an Arab summit was suspended for the segregationist treatment of women? Indeed, Chakib, you are unworthy of the position you hold.
lotfi Posted 2009-05-23
And would you believe we are in 2009!? Why are these women prohibited from participating in the Gulf countries when alcohol and sex flood these same countries!? In any case, it is fortunate that the women of the Maghreb are freer. As for the women of Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, do not worry, you will be able to drive here. You can even run for president, like the Algerian Louisa Hanoune.
Tounsi Sans Plus Posted 2009-05-23
Where are the readers' opinions published?
Didi Posted 2009-05-24
"The decision was made to avoid any embarrassment to some Gulf countries, where women are not allowed to drive cars." Women are free in Tunisia and we do not **** about the Gulf countries; they have never been a model for us! This is a shame!!! We are in 2009!
Cédric Posted 2009-05-25
I am afraid that my comment will offer nothing new to what has already been said, but I cannot remain silent in the face of such nonsense - and I am measuring my words. It is indeed inadmissible to see Hamida's registration refused under the pretext that, on the one hand, she is female and, on the other hand, out of fear of an eventual outcry - of which there is no certainty - in the Gulf countries in Middle East. My question is: Where is this "gentleman's" dignity? Would we be where we are now if his parents and their entire generation had the same reasoning? At this time all intellectuals and international bodies admit that the level of education and development of a population depends on the freedom its women have. This "gentleman" must also be reminded that if all of this was done under religious pretexts, then this is moreover rather fallacious. "Paradise is found under the feet of our mothers..." At least we do not consider that holding on to a steering wheel or handlebars is obscene and we do not see a woman on a bicycle or motorcycle as erotic, something that requires a twisted mind. Let us thus stop giving reason to those who are aggravated and demented.
rol Posted 2009-09-01
Bravo for your reaction, motorcyclists of Tunisia! I would like to meet some motorcyclists with CBRs or Yamaha R1s and R6s and who are big fans of speed. Please respond.
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