Rwandan women will take centre stage in motorsport on Saturday as nine cars compete in the Women in Motorsport Rally 2026 in Bugesera District.
The rally, scheduled for September 12, is being organised by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) through its Women in Motorsport Rwanda (WIMR) commission, which is focused on increasing women’s participation in motorsport.
The event will start at 10 a.m. on the Gasenyi road before passing through Nemba and Kamabuye. Competitors will cover six stages over a total distance of 130 kilometres.
At least one woman must be part of every competing crew, either as the driver or co-driver, under the regulations governing the event.
Among the names expected to draw attention is Queen Kalimpinya, who competed in the 2017 Miss Rwanda pageant before turning to motorsport. She won the 2025 Rwanda National Rally Championship and will compete alongside Olivier Ngabo.
Isheja Butera Sandrine is also set to take part as co-driver to Giancarlo Davite, while Mutesi Kayibanda Aurore, who was crowned Miss Rwanda in 2012, will co-drive with Eric Gakwaya.
The event is part of efforts to give more women opportunities to compete and gain experience in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by men.
RAC said registration remains open to women interested in joining the competition.
The Women in Motorsport Rally is also included on the calendar of the Rwanda National Rally Championship, giving participants an opportunity to earn experience and compete within the country’s national motorsport programme.
