Stop Working for Change Colombia: overcoming stereotypes behind the wheel

A few years ago, when I was learning to drive, an instructor told me that women had trouble distinguishing between right and left and that we weren’t good behind the wheel. Like me, many women have heard similar comments. Phrases like “Women drive worse than men,” “A woman must have caused that accident,” or “She must be a terrible driver” are constantly repeated, reinforcing the stereotype that we don’t know how to drive well.

What’s interesting is that these kinds of sexist remarks don’t just appear in driving situations; they’re also present in political, economic, and social spheres. But what would happen if we changed this mentality and took control of our lives with greater confidence and assurance?

At Sherlock Communications Colombia, we didn’t just ask ourselves this question—we decided to take action. That’s why we joined Stop Working for Change, an initiative developed by the agency Canela to prove that women have control over their futures.

And how did we do it? In the most bacana (as we Colombians say when something is super cool) and fun way possible: with a kart race.

A race to the track

At 1:00 p.m., we arrived at Multiparque, a family entertainment center in Bogotá, Colombia. Among its many attractions is Indoor Karting La Pista, an innovative circuit that offers a unique motorsport experience in the country.

What sets this track apart is its cutting-edge technology: French-made karts, an advanced timing system, and a layout exclusive to Colombia. More than just a speed test, it’s an authentic experience that makes every participant feel like a true Formula 1 driver.

Of course, we couldn’t start the race without a champion-worthy lunch: a delicious platter featuring chicharrón, blood sausage, plantains, beef, chicken, ribs, and criolla potatoes, among other tasty bites. Move over, Lewis Hamilton—Sherlock Colombia has arrived.

When we got to the track, the instructors explained how the race would unfold, the safety measures, the meaning of the flags, and the penalties. Then, they handed us helmets, protective nets for our heads, and hair ties, and we got ready for action.

Race results:

The competition lasted about 30 minutes, and while that might seem like an eternity, time flew by. The race was intense: the ramps were steep, and the curves were challenging, but none of that was an obstacle for Sherlock Communications.

On the podium, the positions were like this:

• 1st place – Esteban Arévalo Marroquín  
• 2nd place – Luz Marina Trujillo Vanegas  
• 3rd place – Óscar Alberto Segura Reyes  

Following them were Paola Barrera, Jaime Fernando Jurado Zambrano, Sergio Hernández Perea, Paula Bedoya, and finally, me, Laura Reyes Arango.

Among the winners, Luz Marina Trujillo Vanegas was the only woman to make it to the podium, securing second place. She shared her thoughts on the experience: “It made me feel incredibly happy because I identified precisely with the purpose of the activity: breaking stereotypes. Understanding that, as a woman, I can overcome limits, demonstrate my abilities, and break records. It was an incredible feeling, especially because I am not a frequent driver. For me, this experience reflected exactly what we wanted to achieve: empower ourselves and convince ourselves that we can achieve our goals, no matter what others say.”

For his part, Esteban Arévalo Marroquín, winner of the race, highlighted the importance of these experiences: “It is incredible to demonstrate this reality because, beyond competition, it is a reminder that talent and determination have no gender.”

Even though I was the last to cross the finish line, what I felt during this race was a breath of fresh air. A vibrant energy, a sense of freedom I hadn’t experienced in a long time. It was as if, with each lap completed, all those sexist comments I had heard over time faded away, leaving me with nothing but the excitement of the moment and the adrenaline of speed.

An experiment that leaves a message

“Ability is not subject to any stereotype,” comments Sergio Hernández Perea, one of the race participants.

Óscar Segura reflects: “I have always believed that we need each other to achieve goals and fulfill a common purpose.”

Men and women of Sherlock Communications Colombia agree that it is necessary to break stigmas, stereotypes, and paradigms that have persisted for decades.

Every action, no matter how small, leaves a lasting impact. Because the true engine of change is not in the cars, but in the courage of each woman who dares to challenge limits.

A Look at the History of Women Behind the Wheel

On January 29, 1886, German engineer Karl Benz patented the first automobile, marking the birth of the automotive era. However, it was his wife, Bertha Benz, who made history by proving that the invention had a real future.

In 1888, Bertha embarked on a 100-kilometer journey aboard the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, without telling her husband. Her goal was clear: to prove the vehicle’s reliability and promote it. Along the way, she demonstrated exceptional mechanical knowledge, fixing breakdowns and even improving the car’s design. Her feat not only advanced the automobile industry but also set a precedent for women’s involvement in the motor world.

More than 130 years later, women still face barriers when it comes to driving. A clear example is that until 2017, women in Saudi Arabia were prohibited from obtaining a driver’s license, a restriction lifted only by decree of King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

But inequality persists. According to the 2021 Women, Business, and Law Report by the World Bank, 16 countries still impose legal restrictions that prevent women from working as drivers. These include Argentina, Belize, Lebanon, and Vietnam, proving that despite progress, the road to equality remains long.

Bertha Benz defied the norms of her time with determination and vision. Today, her legacy reminds us that the fight for equal mobility and access to opportunities continues.

Now, women in countries like Saudi Arabia are driving not just cars, but their own stories, moving toward what they desire most: independence.