Is speedway not for women?

The Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights called to the chairman of the Sport Main Commission of the Polish Speedway Association.  In March 2011, press informed that the women still meet difficulties in access to speedway trainings and championships. Two years ago the regulations were changed in order to allow women to compete in all forms of speedway. 

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In March 2011, press informed about the case of 15-year old Dominika who was refused access to trainings in sport club Unibax in Toruń. She was informed that she would not have been able to train as well as boys.

Speedway is said to be typical male sport. The thousands of fans watch the speedway competitions – but it is always reserved only for men. The role of women during the competition is limited to standing in scanty outfits on track and waving colorful umbrellas, so the riders know on which track they have to set.

The examples of women’s participation and success in speedway on all over the world testify that using the gender criteria in selection of players is not justified. Additionally, all European countries with developed speedway league can boast about successful women-competitor.  

The Foundation reminds that in light of the Polish regulations women are entailed to participate in all forms of speedway competition and appeals for actions promoting the principle of equality.

2011-05-01