Women in Motorsport India Aims to Increase Female Representation

November 5, 2021 

The Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India’s (FMSCI) Women in Motorsport (WIM) commission is working towards increasing the representation for women both in motorsports and behind the scenes. 

The governing body for motorsport in India, FMSCI, instituted the WIM commission in 2017 and since then have been working to empower, recognise and support promising female racing talent in India. Beginning at the grassroots level, the WIM commission has encouraged more women to pursue careers in motorsport by providing guidelines, training and certification. Members are now spearheading the effort to increase the representation of women in motorsport in India. 

Sita Raina, WIM Chairperson said that “women enter motorsports through men.” She added that in a research paper she interestingly found that women are often influenced into motorsports through their fathers and brothers.

Other members of the WIM commission include Deepa Malik, president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), motoring journalist and rally driver Renuka Kirpalani and former National Rally Champion, Anita Nanjappa.

Deepa Malik’s involvement is focused on having the WIM commission invite individuals with disabilities to train as marshals and volunteers. “There are a lot of people who think that women cannot take up such careers in racing or rallies and this step is aimed at changing such perceptions.” 

“I wanted to join this initiative to change this perception about women and particularly about women with disabilities. I hope this initiative will encourage more and more career options for women in motorsports,” she said. 

At a recent event, the commission announced its social media handles and some of the initiatives it plans to implement to ensure that women take an interest in motorsport and are properly supported. 

Anita Nanjappa, who is heading the two-wheelers arm, mentioned that the FMSCI has added a safety inclusion policy for young women in motorsport. She also spoke about the sustainability initiative of the FMSCI, which targets waste management. 

Speaking at the event, Deepa Malik also announced that she will be part of an all-women team in the upcoming Nazir Hoosein Memorial Drive set to begin on November 8. The rally will retrace the route of the 1981 Himalayan Rally to pay tribute to Indian motorsport legend, Nazir Hoosein. 

The WIM commission has stated that the roadmap and timeline of these initiatives will be announced soon along with digital learning materials. 

Source: Autocar India