NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE RACING STARS STAND AGAINST ONLINE ABUSE
The next generation of female motorsport talent is taking a stand against the growing crisis of online abuse in sport. During today’s Girls on Track event, held at the FIA World Motorsport Games, dozens of girls and young women participated in six interactive workshops organised by the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign.
United Against Online Abuse, supported by the FIA Foundation, to research and tackle online abuse across sport, organised these free workshops for participants during the first day of competition at the Motorsport Games.
Held at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain, the Girls on Track day immersed participants in the world of motorsport. Established by the FIA in 2019, the programme aims to inspire 12–18-year-old girls, showcasing the various opportunities available to them across the motorsports industry whilst hosting them at a major motorsport event.
A recent global study found that 58% of girls and young women have experienced some form of online harassment underscoring the importance of these workshops. The sessions, organised in collaboration with the European Sport Business School in Valencia, facilitated discussions about their current digital presence, provided them with an understanding of the challenges posed by online abuse and equipped them with practical tools to protect themselves online.
The workshops also showcased the various UAOA resources available to support them as they begin their motorsport careers and are just one of many educational initiatives run by the UAOA campaign as part of their mission towards achieving regulatory and behavioural change across the sporting world.
Burcu Çetinkaya, Chair of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, said:
“The FIA Girls on Track initiative continues to grow, with hundreds of girls gaining invaluable, first-hand experience in the world of motorsport. Through this collaboration with United Against Online Abuse, we’re ensuring that as we nurture the next generation of talent, they are also equipped with the digital literacy and tools to protect themselves online and help foster a safe and supportive digital environment for everyone.”
Erin Bourke, United Against Online Abuse Lead, said:
“Young people are deeply immersed in the world of social media but, as we know, this exposure also comes with great risks and sadly online abuse against females is particularly widespread and pernicious. I am delighted that the United Against Online Abuse campaign has been able to host these workshops, providing young women with an understanding of critical digital literacy tools such as privacy settings and reporting mechanisms to take control of their online presence. I hope this will help foster a safe, supportive environment for them both on and off the track.”
Ana Luisa D’Orazio from the European Sport Business School added:
“As a leading institution in sports education, we are incredibly proud to support such an important and worthwhile initiative. By equipping these young women with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely, we’re proud to play our part in supporting the next generation of empowered, confident women who will hopefully thrive in the motorsport industry.”
The United Against Online Abuse campaign, supported by the FIA Foundation, is a research-driven, evidence-based initiative that aims to address online harassment and hate speech in sport. Through global collaboration with sporting organisations, governments, and regulatory bodies, UAOA produces regular research reports and hosts international events to drive meaningful change in the fight against online abuse.
For more information, visit www.unitedagainstonlineabuse.com.