The FIM Women's Commission (CFM) celebrated its twentieth anniversary during the Italian round of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) and the FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
Held under the theme"Inspiring the Future", the event celebrated two decades of initiatives dedicated to advancing women in motorcycling while looking ahead to the next generation of riders, officials and industry leaders.
Over the past twenty years, the FIM Women's Commission has evolved into a driving force for inclusion, helping to expand opportunities for women across all areas of motorcycling and contributing to the steady growth of female participation at both recreational and competitive levels.
The panel discussion featured distinguished guests including Janika Judeika, Director of the FIM Women’s Commission; Giovanni Copioli, FMI President and FIM Vice President; Kiara Fontanesi, six-time FIM Women’s Motocross World Champion; Maria Herrera, 2025 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Champion; and Josephine Bruno, Best Female Rider in the 300cc category at the 2024 FIM Intercontinental Games. The discussion was moderated by journalist Edoardo Vercellesi.
The choice of Misano as the venue carried particular significance. The circuit hosted the inaugural round of the FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) in 2024, marking a major milestone in the development of women's motorcycle racing. Several WorldWCR riders attended the celebration alongside representatives from the FIM, media, sponsors and local institutions, reflecting the broad support behind the continued growth of women in the sport.
Through perspectives spanning multiple generations, the discussion highlighted both the progress achieved and the opportunities that lie ahead. From the pioneering experiences of Kiara Fontanesi to the current achievements of Maria Herrera and the emerging talent represented by Josephine Bruno, the speakers shared their passion for the sport and their commitment to inspiring future generations of women in motorcycling.
Established in 2006, the FIM Women’s Commission has played a central role in developing initiatives that encourage greater participation of women in motorcycling, both on and off the track. Through educational programmes, advocacy, events and international cooperation, the Commission continues to work towards a more inclusive and diverse future for the sport.
The celebration also provided an opportunity to recognise the many riders, officials, volunteers and stakeholders who have contributed to the Commission’s achievements over the past twenty years.
Janika Judeika, Director of the FIM Women’s Commission, stated: “Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the FIM Women’s Commission in Misano, alongside the WorldWCR Championship, is a powerful symbol of how far women’s motorcycling has progressed. Over the past two decades, the Commission has evolved from a promotional body into a true engine of inclusion and long-term change within our sport.
What makes me most proud is the cultural transformation achieved across the FIM and the global motorcycling community. Twenty years ago, women had very limited opportunities in both competition and leadership. Today, women are represented across all disciplines, commissions and decision-making roles, actively helping shape the future of motorcycling.
From only a few women’s events, we have grown to around twenty events across different disciplines, and from 2027 there will be World Championship titles in every discipline. While important progress has been made, we remain committed to continuing this growth through education, mentorship and creating new opportunities for future generations.”
Giovanni Copioli, FMI President and FIM Vice President: “Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the FIM Women's Commission was truly meaningful. I am proud that this anniversary was celebrated in Misano, Italy, during a weekend of great racing events such as the World Superbike and the Women's Circuit Racing World Championship. Over time, the FIM Women's Commission has organised initiatives, projects, and programmes thanks to the passion of female riders and workers. This vision is shared by the Women's Commission of the Italian Motorcycling Federation, which constantly collaborates with the FIM and aims to promote sporting and non-sporting motorcycling among young girls, teenagers, and women. A mission that will continue with the main goal of engaging and inspiring future generations”.
As the FIM Women’s Commission enters its third decade, its mission remains clear: to inspire future generations, create new opportunities and continue driving positive change throughout the world of motorcycling.