Welcome to this captivating exploration of the motorcycle world, where today we delve into a compelling topic: the place of women in this realm often associated with masculinity. Our special guest, Safa Bennamate, provides a unique perspective as both an experienced motorcyclist and a seasoned psychologist. Through a psychosocial approach, Safa sheds light on the complex dynamics surrounding the presence of women in one of the fields traditionally perceived as predominantly male: motorcycling. Get ready for an enlightening conversation, blending a passion for motorcycles with a profound understanding of the psychological factors influencing women’s place in this community.
I’m going to ask you a few questions, and I’ll start right away: concerning you and your personal experience, have you ever heard discouraging or discriminatory remarks simply for riding a motorcycle?
“I’ve been riding motorcycles for over 23 years, and for the past 16 years, I’ve been drawn to larger engine bikes. Even today, I still receive comments from people who struggle to accept the idea. I do have followers on social media who support me with encouraging words, but that doesn’t negate the fact that there are still many people ready to remind me that I’m a woman, making very sexist remarks.”
So, how do you think this influences women? Because, as you’ve demonstrated, it doesn’t stop you because you love it, but do you think other women might be more inclined to give up?
“I think, as you pointed out, it’s a kind of influence. When men and women become interested in a particular field, the representation we have regarding that field plays a significant role. So, in a domain perceived as predominantly masculine, there is less likelihood that a woman will choose it. There is a lot of conditioning, and studies in social psychology have observed the impact of conditioning on behavior.”
Yes, you mean people won’t engage in an activity that isn’t deemed suitable for them?
“Exactly. There’s a sort of rationalization of other people’s choices. I believe they must be thinking, ‘If there aren’t many women in this field, it’s probably because they can’t succeed.'”
You’ve more or less answered my next question. I wanted to ask you about the current place of women in the motorcycle world. What are your thoughts?
“I think there’s a lot to be done. Women just need to stop letting others dictate what they can or cannot do. When female followers ask me for advice, the first thing that comes to mind is that the only limits you can have are the limits you set for yourself. Don’t let others tell you what you can or cannot do.”
Exactly, I completely agree with you. However, as we were saying, there are often psychological barriers that are a bit challenging to overcome. What would you advise those who are afraid of the judgment of others?
“There are three psychological concepts you’re probably familiar with since you’re a psychologist: meta-evaluation, hetero-evaluation, and self-evaluation. Meta-evaluation is what I think others think of me. Hetero-evaluation is what others think of me, and self-evaluation is what I think of myself. The image or perception that others have of a person influences how they think others perceive them, and consequently, it affects how they perceive themselves. I think it’s essential to create a barrier between how others perceive us and how we perceive ourselves. It’s a kind of self-perception in relation to oneself and the impact of internal discourse—in short, the words we keep repeating to ourselves. By constantly saying, ‘I won’t be able to achieve this or that, I won’t be able to do it,’ in the end, it becomes a reality.”
Yes, I understand what you mean. It’s a bit like self-fulfilling prophecies; if we say we won’t succeed, we won’t.
“Yes, and that’s how women’s abilities and performance are impacted.”
Well, that’s not very encouraging already, as we’re discussing the place of women in the motorcycle world. But I’d like to address everything related to purchases and the surrounding culture. Specifically, brands and apparel. Don’t you think there would be something to gain for brands to invest more in feminine products?
“I think, personally, they have a lot to lose instead because they operate based on demand, and there are very few women who ride motorcycles. So automatically, there’s less clientele in this category.”
I was actually asking if a targeted push for women could encourage more women to ride motorcycles, breaking stereotypes, and thus benefit the brands?
“I couldn’t answer that. I really don’t know. I think it’s more the other way around. It’s the demand that modifies the market. But again, I’m not an expert.”
But, regarding yourself, do you have any issues finding gear because I don’t think you measure 1.80m; you are a woman?
“I am very petite, and very slim. I generally wear XS, and I really struggle to find articles. Before moving to France for my studies, every time I had to buy something, I had to go to stores, place an order, wait for several months, sometimes not even receiving the order, so I always had to go abroad to buy my gear.”
So, it remains quite challenging, wouldn’t you agree? I have one last question: Safa, to me, you’re a bit of a rebel challenging the masculine norms of motorcycling. That’s the impression I get from watching your videos. You love to ride, you love big bikes, and for you, it’s normal even though you’re a woman. Do you agree?
“Well, I think what helped me is that I’m inherently very stubborn. When I have an idea in my head, it’s really hard to take it away from me. The second factor or reason is that I hate being told what to do or what to like.”
Yes, that’s the impression I get through your channel: it’s like, ‘Listen, I love motorcycles, leave me alone with that; I’m a woman, and I embrace it.’ I’ve finished my questions, Safa.
“I hope I’ve answered all the questions and been clear enough.”
Thank you, Safa, and see you later.
