Can you introduce yourself in a few words? What motivated you to participate in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles?

— I am Céline Kuypers. I am 49 years old and a mother of two children, aged 16 and 20. I have been working at Aixial Group for over seven years as a Clinical Research Project Manager for clients in the pharmaceutical industry.

I have always had the dream of experiencing an extraordinary adventure—one that is just for myself. All I needed was to find my own “Everest.”

How did you discover this adventure, and how long have you dreamed of taking part in it? 

— About ten years ago, I accompanied and encouraged a friend as she set off for her fourth Rallye des Gazelles. I met strong, highly motivated “gazelles.” I then followed their journey live on the rally’s website and watching them throughout their stages fueled my desire to experience this adventure myself. From that day on, it was clear to me: one day, I too would be at the starting line. I too would become a gazelle.

For those who are unfamiliar with it, can you explain what this rally is and what makes it unique?

— It is the only rally that is 100% female, 100% off-road, and 100% without GPS or a roadbook. Our only tools are a compass, a map, and a 4×4 vehicle. The goal of the rally is not speed but rather finding the best possible route from one checkpoint to another while covering the shortest distance.

What cause does this event support, and why is it particularly important to you?

— Beyond promoting strong women, this rally also embodies values of solidarity with local communities. A medical caravan, “Cœur de Gazelles”, leverages the rally’s logistics to assist, particularly women and children, by offering regular medical check-ups and appropriate care every year.

Additionally, this rally is the only one in the world certified ISO 14001, ensuring complete waste management and carbon offsetting through local initiatives, such as building schools or wells using collected water bottles from the bivouac, and planting the largest palm grove in southern Morocco.

What does the support of our company in this adventure mean to you? 

— It was important for me to have the support of my company. My work is a significant part of who I am and knowing that Aixial shares my values and those of the rally reassures me in my professional choices.

In fact, with its strong female presence in the pharmaceutical industry, Aixial Group shares key values with the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles especially in empowering women and fostering solidarity.

What message would you like to share with women who hesitate to take on extraordinary challenges?

— As women, we are often expected to live for others and to be a source of support. But we also have the right to do things for ourselves. If you have a dream, always keep it in sight. If you truly want it, and with a little determination, you can achieve it. “Everyone has their own Everest !”

What message would you like to share with women who hesitate to take on extraordinary challenges?

— As women, we are often expected to live for others and to be a source of support. But we also have the right to do things for ourselves. If you have a dream, always keep it in sight. If you truly want it, and with a little determination, you can achieve it. “Everyone has their own Everest !”

What do you hope to gain from this experience, both personally and professionally?

— I hope this experience will give me even greater self-confidence than I have today. I also want to prove to my children that if you truly want something, nothing is impossible.