The first Monaco edition of International Women’s Sports was celebrated on Friday, January 24, at the Prince’s Car Collection with what FIA called an “influential Monaco event celebrating women in motorsport”.
The not-for-profit conference introduced female students in Monaco, ages 14-22, to possible careers in motorsport with World Rally Vice-Champion Michèle Mouton as the guest of honour.
Iron Dames go-karter Vicky Farfus, 13, interviewed race car driver Marta Garcia (Iron Dames and F1 Academy 2023 Champion), which was followed by a panel on roles in motorsport.
Speakers included (photo R:L) key note speaker Delphine Biscaye (F1 Academy Competition Manager); Sara Mariani, (FIA sustainability, diversity and inclusion director); Liz Roberts (founder Sportsunite Monaco); Cathy Muller (Iron Dames Young Talents Management); and Laurie Clog (Formula E Partnerships & Business Development Mahindra Racing).
Video participation integrated a welcome from Burcu Cetinkaya, Chair of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, Ella Häkkinen Champions of the Future go-karter and Iron Dames rally driver, Sarah Rumeau, who was participating in her first Rallye Monte-Carlo.
The event rounded off with a special thank you to Michèle Mouton by Tiffaney Perlino, President of Women in Motorsport Commission ACM, and Lacey Da Costa, co-founder Carob Tree Publishing.
BeSafe Monaco co-founders Camille Gottlieb, Margaux Grundstein and Laura Dias were also present. Founded in 2017, BeSafe Monaco is a non-profit Association for the Prevention of Drink Driving.
Although supported by Iron Dames and FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, this independent event to provide access to students with women in Monaco working motorsport was co-organised by (picture below with Prince Albert at event: R-L) Martine Ackermann (Child CARE Monaco), Valérie Closier (Director Prince’s Car Collection), Tiffaney Perlino (President of Women in Motorsport Commission ACM) and Nancy Heslin (Co-founder Carob Tree Publishing).
Students from FANB, ISM, IUM and ITM were gifted a copy of the new release 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco by Nancy Heslin and Lacey Da Costa. The not-for-profit book was printed in Monaco and published by Carob Tree Publishing, Monaco’s first 100% female-owned publishing house.
Many of the women featured in the book were guests and there was an opportunity to meet and greet speakers, and have books signed.
Following the student event, a cocktail with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco marked the official launch of 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco. The Prince wrote a preface for the book and was presented with a copy by Lacey Da Costa.
On behalf of the Automobile Club de Monaco, Prince Albert presented Michèle Mouton with a lifetime club membership.
This 240-page hardcover in English features the world’s greatest female drivers, from rally to F1, who have competed in Monaco since 1925. Some 65 timeless stories of women written by 9 women offer an inspiring narrative filled with glamour, adventure, and triumph in a male-dominated sport. There is also an unprecedented chapter on the women in Monaco and their roles in motorsport.
As Iron Dames founder Deborah Mayer wrote in her introduction: “This book is not only an important reminder of how far we’ve come, but also a beacon of hope and unlimited potential for the next generation and for all women who face obstacles in any traditionally male-dominated field.”
The book retails for €50. A portion of sales will support next-gen female talent in motorsport. Buy or donate a copy here.
Article first published January 30, 2025. All photos copyright Ed Wright Images.
