Casablanca – When Wissal Ziki and Fatima Nassid heard about a rally that would take women into the Moroccan desert, the idea appealed to them immediately. While neither had entered a rally before, their response was not to rule it out. Instead, they chose to ask a simple question: “Why not us?”
That question has become a plan. The pair are taking part in the fourth edition of the M-Automotiv NOUR Rallye Raid, which runs from October 27 to 31, with more than 30 all-female crews expected on routes principally between Erfoud and Merzouga.
“We want to discover the desert, learn, have fun and prove that we are capable of great things,” they told Morocco World News (MWN).
Different careers, a shared decision
Wissal works in technology and international business. She describes her role as covering 28 countries across Francophone Africa and the Mediterranean, and she is a member of Women in Tech Africa. Her professional interests include technology, finance, and international relations.
Fatima, meanwhile, is an entrepreneur, coach, and consultant. She describes herself as sporty and adventurous, with an appetite for new experiences. Their backgrounds are different, but both were drawn to the prospect of attempting something outside their usual routines.
It was not an obvious next step for either of them. They said they had no previous rally experience, and they are approaching the competition with the expectation that much of it will be new.
“We don’t have much experience yet, but we have a lot of enthusiasm and motivation, and we’re ready to learn,” they said. “That’s also what adventure is about: daring to try.”
The NOUR Rallye Raid was created by Moroccan rally competitor Hanane Amraoui to open the discipline to women with different levels of experience. This year’s event includes 4×4 vehicles, motorcycles and buggies, although Wissal and Fatima will be sharing driving and navigation duties in their own crew.
Two seats, two responsibilities
The contest is not principally about driving faster than everyone else. According to the organizers’ published format, teams use navigation tools to reach checkpoints while trying to keep the distance travelled to a minimum. Other challenges can also affect the final rankings.
For two first-time competitors, that leaves a great deal to learn before worrying about a finishing position.
Wissal and Fatima have been preparing through navigation work, briefings, and physical and mental preparation. They expect the hardest parts to be finding their way in the desert and coping with fatigue.
Rather than keep one person permanently at the wheel, they plan to swap roles. One will drive while the other follows the roadbook and handles navigation, then they will switch.
“We will alternate between driver and co-driver so that we can fully experience both driving and navigation,” they explained.
The arrangement matters to them because they want to understand both sides of the challenge. It also makes their partnership central to whatever happens on the course.
“We communicate, encourage each other and trust each other. That is our greatest strength,” they said.
While acknowledging that preparation has included moments, they describe the period before the start as an absorbing experience of learning new skills, reassuring each other, and discovering what they can do together.
More than a place in the rankings
The pair are not pretending that their first attempt will be easy, or that a high finish is guaranteed. Their immediate ambition is straightforward, and it is to complete the rally safely while enjoying the very pleasure of participation.
“Of course, if we can achieve a good ranking, we will be very proud,” they said. “But for us, the real victory is to experience every stage, make progress and come home with beautiful memories.”
They are also drawn to the rally’s social mission. This edition includes the NOUR POUR ELLE initiative, intended to support girls through school and university. For the teammates, that purpose gives the experience meaning beyond their own result.
“We are not participating only for ourselves, but also to support girls’ education,” they said.
They hope women watching the event will see motorsport as something they, too, can try. In their view, seeing women behind the wheel and working with a roadbook can make an unfamiliar activity seem more approachable.
“We all have a place in this field,” they said.
Whatever their ranking at the finish, Wissal and Fatima are already thinking about adventures beyond this one. They have not committed to another rally, but neither expects this to be their last attempt at something unfamiliar.
For now, the challenge is much closer: two beginners, one crew and a desert route they will have to work out together. The answer to their original question is about to be tested on the road.
