Ramallah, June 27: Palestinian women are speeding into the record books by competing in the first all-female car racing team the Speed Sisters.
Along the way, they’re crashing through another gender barrier in this conservative Muslim society. The eight women have entered a popular race called ‘Speed Test.’ Souped-up cars race around a track, weaving their way around obstacles and spinning circles around others.
“I love sports that are tough and dangerous, because I am a dangerous woman,” said Nour Dawood, 20, after a race this week outside the West Bank city of Ramallah. She wore a yellow-and-black racing suit, sunglasses and a helmet as she leaned against her car, her curly hair pushed back into a ponytail. Around her, drivers revved their engines.
Arabic music pounded out of loudspeakers. A group of fans crowded around the track to watch, including a small contingent of women with large sunglasses. It’s another step for Palestinian women who have been claiming more positions of influence in an otherwise still male-dominated society. This year, the first female Palestinian governor was appointed to oversee the West Bank district of Ramallah. The mayor of the district’s main city is a woman, as are four ministers in the Palestinian cabinet.
Speed Test began in the West Bank in 2005, as violence between Israel and the Palestinians began petering out. Races take place throughout the territory that is ruled by Israel, with Palestinians administering parts of it.
-Agencies