International Women's Day in Morocco

On this International Women’s Day, we should celebrate not only the great achievements and accomplishments of women across the world but also set out our focus on what more must be done.

In Morocco there are nationwide rallies organised by NGOs and political parties  to to press for gender equality and the fight against discrimination

There is more prospect of this new generation of girls becoming political leaders than ever beforeJulia Gillard -Former Australian Prime Minister

The Coalition of Equality and Democracy, who are organising the rallies, have taken up the slogan: “hand in hand we defend equality and democracy.”

Leading Moroccan intellectual and public figure Ahmad Assid says: ‘The rally of March 8 is a rally to lift discrimination against women and for equality between all the Moroccan people. It is a rally that says no to violence against women and no to raping minor girls in the name of marriage.”

The government unveiled last week a draft law to established a specialised “authority to ensure parity between men and woman” as laid out in the constitution. The draft law could be put to vote in the parliament next week and if passed it would be a major win for women’s rights activists in the country.

Article 19 of the Moroccan constitution says: “Men and women have equal civil, political, economic, social, cultural and environmental rights.”

“The state shall work towards the establishment of parity between men and women. Therefore, it has assigned a specialised authority to ensure parity between men and women and fight against all forms of discrimination.” Bassima al-Hakkaoui, minister of solidarity, women, family and social development, described the draft law as "victory for Moroccan women."

As a follow up to International Women's Day a Conference will be held on March 10th in Rabat "Citizen participation: What place and role of women in local governance?"

The aim of this national meeting is to discuss the significant progress made in the field of women's rights and highlight the challenges that must be overcome in order to consolidate these achievements. However, the effective implementation of these constitutional provisions is still missing, and work is also needed to strengthen the representation of women in political parties.

The various players who will take part in the day (representatives of civil society, political parties, the media, academics and researchers ...) will have the opportunity to exchange in order to contribute to the debate on the basis of several questions.

This meeting is part of the project "Local Governance and women's rights" initiated by the Associative Space (L’Espace Associatif) in partnership with Care International and with the support of the European Union.

The View from Fez hope YOUR International Women's Day is peaceful and productive

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Morocco Moves Towards Parity for Women ~ and an End to Violence

Sunday March 8th is International Women's Day. In Morocco, the struggle for equality is taking centre stage, with the government turning its attention to several pieces of legislation that women's groups  claim are long overdue. At the same time a major report by NGO's paints a troubling picture of just how much work remains to be done

Last Friday,  Bassima Hakkaoui, Minister of Solidarity, Women, Family and Social Development, announced that "The bill for the creation of the National Forum of Parity and fight against all forms of discrimination will be presented on Thursday by the Government Council."

Bassima Hakkaoui

The creation of this National Forum, as women's rights advocates point out, is stipulated in Article 19 of the Constitution which aims to establishes "equal rights" and urges the State to "strive for parity" through the establishment of a special body.

At the same time,  a bill will be introduced to improve the fight against violence towards women. "We want to make a specific law for women, which will be launched by the end of this year," announced Mrs. Hakkaoui.

Mbarka Bouaida, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation speaking at a conference debate on "women's rights in Morocco, 20 years after Beijing" jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and UN Women, added her voice to the debate, saying that the Kingdom "has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to a pro-active approach to promoting women's empowerment and gender equality, by implementing structural reforms and by taking effective measures to strengthen the role of women in the construction of a modern society."

Mbarka Bouaida

"If the reform of the Family Code has done justice to Moroccan women and strengthened its role within the family and society, the new 2011 Constitution paves the way for an effective fight against discrimination against women and the full enjoyment of their rights and freedoms," said Mbarka Bouaida.

Yet, a report on the situation of women's rights in Morocco describes an almost diametrically different situation. "In terms of women's rights, many reform projects are open since the adoption of the new constitution in 2011," reads the report, "but their execution is marked by inexplicable delays." Based on figures from the High Commission for Planning (HCP), the 38 organisations headed by the Democratic Association of Women of Morocco (ADFM), the report paints a damning assessment of the situation of Moroccan women, claiming that poverty, violence, unemployment and different types of discrimination are the daily lot of a large number of Moroccan women.

Despite the report, Bassima Hakkaoui remained optimistic, saying that Morocco's balance sheet is very positive, and that the country has recorded significant progress in equality making it a "leader in the region and internationally. We are pleased with the balance and ambitious to set up other accomplishments," she said.

Aatifa Timjerdine

Between optimism and reality are the stark figures reported by the NGOs that indicate 62.8% of Moroccan women have suffered gender violence; 55% in the marital context. "Violence can be either physical or moral, through intimidating or hurtful words, " says NGO Coordinator, Aatifa Timjerdine. The report recommends a revision of the criminal law to meet three requirements, in accordance with Article 22 of the Constitution: the investigation of perpetrated violence, punishment of such violence and compensation for damages suffered by the victims.

The report also examines women's health issues and notes that there are still too many illegal abortions. Using data from the Moroccan Association against Illegal Abortion (Amlac) it estimates that 600 to 800 women have abortions every day in unsanitary conditions. The report proposes a revision of Article 453 of the Criminal Code to expand the circumstances under which a therapeutic abortion is permitted.

The report also reviews the situation of women regarding literacy and schooling. In 2012, the illiteracy rate among urban women was 47.6% against 25.3% for men. In rural areas, female illiteracy was as high as 64.5% in 2012.

In some parts of Morocco, 83% of brides are minors.

Disparities between rural and urban areas are more stark in secondary education. Net enrolment rate of rural girls in college is below 27.2% and drops to a rate of 7% in high school.

Women's protest in Rabat

The report shows an increase in female employment, but notes that women are the most affected by unemployment (10.2% against 8.4% for men). In urban areas, the female unemployment rate is 24% while that of men is 17%. About 21% of women who hold diplomas of higher education remain unemployed, while the number of unemployed men in the same situation is only 11%.

The sectors where women work most are agriculture (61.1%), the services sector, 26.3% and industry, 12.5%.

Women's representation in the governing bodies of legislative, executive and judiciary, remains low. An HCP survey in 2012 shows that women are under-represented (24.2%) in positions of responsibility.

At the level of political participation parliament has only 67 women out of 395 members, 17% instead of 10.5% in the previous term. To break the "glass ceiling", the NGOs ask for the implementation of affirmative action to reduce disparities in access to positions in the public service.


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Moroccan News Briefs #92

April 5th - the pain begins... 

More than 1,000 runners from 45 countries will participate in Morocco's 28th Marathon des Sables, the ten-day, six-stage race which begins on April 5th.

The marathon is in reality  a multi-day ‘ultra-marathon’ or ‘ultra’ run in six days over a course of between 150 and 156 (254km) miles. Which by the way is the equivalent of running from London to Dover and back again... but in 120 degree heat and with a backpack on...and voices in your head talking about cold beer!

The actual routes and formats change every year. The Race Director and his team spend a month meticulously planning routes that are held secret until the day before the event starts.

Competitors stay overnight in a bivouac village, comprised of tents that sleep about 8 competitors per tent. Once you get your 'bivvy' your bivvy team become your family, your support team, your nursing team and invariably they become long-term friends.


Casablanca gets drenched

Nobody doubts that this has been a very wet year. But the extent of that dampness is just beginning to be realised. If it were a wetness competition, Casablanca takes gold with an amazing 300% increase on rainfall the previous year.

While many would like to see an end to the rainy weather, umbrella salesmen and farmers are the big winners. According to agricultural authorities the crop year 2012/2013 looks good as a result of the significant cumulative rainfall. The amount of rainfall observed during the first quarter of 2013 gives confidence to farmers. The rainfall by March 18 had reached 465 mm, an increase of 300% compared to the same period of the previous year (155 mm). In addition the livestock industry says the agricultural season 2012/2013 "looks good", thanks to the strong growth of forage for livestock.


Topless Tunisian Turns Heads

Moroccan feminists had mixed reactions this week to the news that a Tunisian woman had posted a photograph of herself topless on the Internet on International Women's Day.

"My body is mine, it is not the source of anyone’s honour”

The young Tunisian woman has shocked some sections of the Tunisian and Moroccan public. "She was very brave," said Youssra, a twenty-three year old Moroccan, "I could not have done it."

On the photograph the woman wrote a statement in Arabic across her chest, saying “My body is mine, it is not the source of anyone’s honour.”

"She has made a statement that we support, but I am unsure of her way of doing it," says Fez resident, Fatima Zohra, 28.

However, in reaction to her action aimed at protecting “women’s rights against ascendant Islamist parties,”some sections of the Tunisian community have been criticised for an extremist response. Mr. Adel Almi, Tunisian head of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, went so far as to say that the woman, who identified herself only as Meriam, “deserves to be stoned as punishment for the ignominy she is causing the country”. He also called on the Tunisian authorities to medically check the psychological and mental condition of the woman.

"Stoning is a shameful relic of our past and has no place in the modern Islamic world," says Aicha, 26, from Fez. "Nobody in Morocco will take any notice of people who call for such things."

Thankfully, more moderate Tunisians distanced themselves from the extremist remarks. The Tunisian Minister for Women, Mrs. Siham Badi, shrugged her shoulders over the issue, fearing that the incident may cause controversy across North Africa.

During a local TV interview with the protesting woman, Meriam said that she had simply been calling for women’s rights and defending them in her own way.


Fez Riads win awards

The hostel reservation site HostelBookers.com has released a list of the top-rated lodgings around the world for backpackers and budget travelers looking to book their next accommodations. The winners are chosen based on the highest rating achieved in each category, and a minimum of 25 reviews received in 2012 iwas required to be considered for an award.

The HostelBookers Awards for Excellence 2013 turned out to be a real win for Fez. The highest overall customer rating in the continent of Africa and the Middle East were awarded to Moroccan Hostlers, Riads and hotels.

Fez is the big winner - congratulations to Riad Verus, Dar El Yassmine, Dar Houdou and Dar Hafsa

The 12th Awards for Excellence 2013 were granted to the following Riads:

1- The top three accommodations Award in Africa and the Middle East were won by Riad Verus in Fez and Riad Fantasia and Riad Layla Rouge in Marrakech.

2- The Best Value Cheap Hotels Award in Africa and the Middle East went to Dar El Yassmine in Fez.

3- The Best Staff Award in Africa and the Middle East achieved by Dar Houdou in Fez and Rainbow Marrakech in Marrakech

4- The Best For Couples Award in Africa and the Middle East went to Riad Baraka in Chefchaouen.

5- The Best For Families Award in Africa and the Middle East was for Dar Hafsa in Fez.


Moroccans turn to online booking

Moroccans have taken to buying their holiday trips on the Net. The latest figures from the jevoyage.ma online agency show that nearly 6,500 customers to purchased travel and accommodation on the site for either domestic or foreign travel. This generated some 30 million dirhams in sales at the end of 2012. This is a growth of 66% compared to a year earlier.

In terms of visits, 42% of Internet users picked Morocco as their main destination. Marrakech was a top choice registering 50% of requests for short stays, followed by Agadir. Fez has cornered 30% of domestic passengers and ranks in first place for stays of 5 nights or more. Tangier, Tetouan and M'diq follow.

At the lower end, Saidia is mainly popular in summer, Essaouira attracts only 4% of domestic passengers and Ifrane is mainly a winter destination.

Moroccan travelling abroad had a clear favourite - Turkey with 20% of e-travelers. It accounts for 61% of long-term stays abroad as tours throughout the year, with peak demands during periods of school holidays and summer. In second place comes Spain with 10.6% of travellers.

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Moroccan News Briefs #90

International Women's Day in Morocco

Morocco's feminist movement marked International Women's Day by saying that a draft law to create a high authority to protect women's rights and gender equality against all forms of discriminations in the North African country has not been set up yet. The authority has not been created in spite of the many dossiers presented by civil society, the president of the democratic association of women of Morocco (Afdm) Malika Jghima told local daily Au Fait. She said a memorandum drafted by her association in cooperation with the Feminist spring for democracy and equality was presented to the government's general secretariat, to the secretary generals of the two chambers of parliament and to political parties.

However, no draft law so far has responded to these aspirations.

'We have penned a memorandum on a draft law to create the high authority for parity after a number of round tables, seminaries and talks. The draft laws presented so far do not reflect the philosophy of the constitution', she said.

The president of Afdm said she hoped the proposals presented by women's rights associations would be taken into consideration. What associations are demanding, she said, 'is an authority which is independent from political forces, whose mission is to promote, guarantee and control the application of article 19 providing for effective equality'.

At the beginning of February, lawmakers with the Authenticity and Modernity party presented a draft law to create the authority but a few days later the government rejected it, announcing that it was setting up a commission to examine all options to draft another bill.

For its part the National council for human rights in cooperation with UN-Femmes presented its first proposal of a high authority for equality, suggesting it should be financially independent and that the choice of its members should be based on their competence, engagement and credibility.


The "forgotten" Touria Hassan honoured

Touria Hassan was the first Moroccan woman to take a role as an actress in a Moroccan stage production. Born in 1937, Touria Hassan shrugged off the constraints of the 1950s and took to the stage in the city of Tetouan. Before a stunned audience, the actress made ​​her first appearance on July 14, 1950 in the play "The father's Regret" alongside actor Mohamed Ali Chaara. Society of the time was not yet ready to accept what was seen as such audacity from a woman.

Touria was fortunate to grow up in a family of open and passionate about art and could count on the support of her family when she decided to get into the theatre. At the same time she had to confront beliefs which locked women in domestic roles and prevented their contributing to education and social awareness through art.

At a ceremony in tribute to the actress, organized by the Association "Women's Voices," the journalist Jawad El Kalkha, noted that Touria Hassan had opened the door for women to create and star in the fields of theatre, television and film. Despite her sacrifices in the service of the National Theatre, Touria Hassan is one of artistic figures fallen into oblivion and who now face difficult material conditions in the twilight of their careers.


Christian theological centre opens in Morocco

This is a first. A centre offering training in Christian theology has opened its doors in Rabat. "This is the first time that Catholic and Protestant students are attending classes in a common room in Morocco, a Muslim country," says Bishop Vincent Landel, one of the designers of the project.

Initiated in 2012, the institute "Al Mowafaqa" officially opens in July to provide university education "rooted in the Moroccan context at the service of Christian churches in Morocco and beyond," says the website almowafaqa.com.

Addressed primarily to an audience originating from sub-Saharan Africa, the training centre should enable the development of managers and leaders of churches, parish assistants, community leaders and future pastors.

"Christian churches in Morocco are experiencing strong growth due to the influx of more and more sub-Saharan students," say the founders of the project, in cooperation with the Institut Catholique de Paris and Faculty of Protestant Theology Strasbourg. The institute was founded June 16, 2012. The following month, the Scientific Council has developed an academic program over five years to find a balance between the demands of Catholics and those Protestants, between the Department of Theology and the dialogue of cultures and religions.

To avoid any controversy, the director Bernard Cayault emphasizes the "opening" of the Institute to other religions, especially Islam


HM the King Launches Works to Build Expressway Linking Fez-Oujda Motorway to Fez-Saiss Airport, Fez

HM King Mohammed VI this week launched works to build an expressway linking Fez-Oujda motorway to the Fez Saiss airport and the city of Fez, an initiative intended to reinforce the impetus of socio-economic development in the region.

The new expressway aims to improve the safety and free flow of traffic, enhance the development of passenger traffic at the Fez-Saiss airport and reduce travel time between the airport and the cities of Meknes, Taounate, Taza and Sefrou.

In addition to reducing the number of accidents, the project will contribute to the urban development of Ouled Taib centre and the promotion of trade between Fez and the other neighbouring communities, while offering road users optimal conditions of safety and comfort.

The 227 million dirham project consists of duplicating the road linking the city of Fez to Fez-Oujda motorway on 14.2 kilometers, duplicating the road (two lanes) leading to the Fez-Saiss airport (2.2 km), building an interchange on highway 8 and developing six roundabouts.


Morocco's Air Traffic Slowdown

Morocco, which has an ‘open-skies’ agreement with the EU, suffered its first fall in airport passenger numbers for a decade in 2012, with traffic down 3.6% to 15.1 million, as the political uncertainty and instability in neighbouring countries appears to have had an impact on the number of visiting tourists.

According to aviation site Anna Aero, among Morocco’s main airports, Nador was the only one to register a small increase in passenger numbers compared with 2011. Casablanca and Marrakech, which account for 70% of the country’s air passenger traffic, reported modest drops in demand of between 1% and 2%, while Fez (-17.4%) and Oujda (-11.9%) reported the biggest falls.

Anna Aero's analyst, Ralph Anker discusses the new Barcelona-Fez
 route (starting May 19) with Vueling CEO Alex Cruz (right)

Vueling becomes Morocco’s fastest-growing airline with six new routes in 2013.

However Fez will benefit this summer from the opening of a one aircraft base by Ryanair with new routes to Lille, Nantes, Nimes and Saint Etienne beginning in late April. In addition, Vueling will be launching a Fez-Barcelona service from 19 May. Ryanair will also be starting a two aircraft base in Marrakech this summer.


Minister Heidi Hautala visiting Morocco and Tunisia

Finland's Minister for International Development, Heidi Hautala, is currently visiting Morocco and Tunisia. The purpose of the trip is to get acquainted with the current situation and the democratic development in these countries and to review the cooperation between Finland and these countries. Women’s rights are one of the special themes of the visit. During her visit, Minister Hautala will meet ministers and civil society representatives.

Minister Hautala, who represents the Greens Party, makes her visit at an interesting time in the development of Morocco and Tunisia. Finland supports the development of North African countries and these countries’ endeavours to promote democracy, strong civil society, equality, good governance, freedom of speech and human rights. Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening the status of women.

Heidi Hautala - a focus on women

Finland’s assistance to the region is mainly channelled through international organisations and projects implemented by financing institutions. At the country-specific level, projects with NGOs conducted by foreign missions and facilitated by local cooperation play a central role. Finnish assistance to North Africa and the Middle East totals approximately EUR 30 million in 2012–2015.


Pop-Up Looks for talent

Every June a Pop Up gallery emerges in the heart of Fez’ ancient medina. This multi-faceted, bustling but tiny hanout (shop) presents exhibitions, local and international artists and show cases idiosyncratic happenings that feed the creative vitality and cultural noise of the immediate surroundings.

At the moment the Pop Up is on a talent scouting venture. Artists are invited to submit proposals for recitals, presentations, performances, talks, film screenings, micro concerts or exhibiting. Deadline for applications May 1st. email – culture.vulture1@rocketmail.com

Jess Stephens in last year's Pop Up shop

Run by Jess Stephens, visual artist and creator of Culture Vultures, the Pop up space becomes more like a mini-art center, every season. While artists are invited to participate, the community are enticed. C.V.’s Pop Up conjures up a  think tank, meeting point, and cultural hub that contributes to the vibrancy and every day spectacle of the old medina, the soul of Fez

2013’s Pop up gallery will complement the Fez Festivals curated theme of Al Andaluz by presenting works influenced by a intercultural portfolio of artists and creations that embrace coexistence. The program will include poetry readings, music happenings, spontaneity, artisan/artist colaborations,2D art works and culture from every corner, with a contemporary slant on the Cordobian palace of 1000 years ago, Madinat al-Zahra.


Friday Funny for International Women's Day

Fatima Zohra phones the Casablanca Central Police Station Women's Hotline and says:
"My husband went to buy potatoes two days ago and has not yet come back yet and I don't know what to do."
There is a long pause before the policewoman says:
“Madam Fatima, I suggest you find something else to cook."

Don't forget: Free Sufi Concert in Fez this weekend! 

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Female Photography in Fez - a Celebration

Exhibition organiser Omar Chennafi pays tribute to Zubida, one of the participants

The Women's Mirror exhibition opening yesterday in Fez was a great success. More than 200 people attended and many stayed on for the Women's Mirror concert.

Late yesterday afternoon, crowds began flocking to the opening of the Women's Mirror exhibition, at the Arabic Language Institute Fes (ALIF) Riad in Batha. They had come to see the results of an ambitious project done by the ALIF-ALC Photography Club, where 22 women around the Fez region were given disposable cameras and recorded aspects of their lives.

i

Picture: Omar Chennafi

The results were a credit to the previously untrained female photographers and offered an insight into their living situations and their perceptions of society around them. It is on show daily from 3-5 PM until March 24.

Participant Asmaa Elalaoui Hachimi with her work

Participant Nina Mohammed Galbert, with her daughters and work, on right

Omar Chennafi, left, and Gigi Kay, director of the American Fondouk with her work

Sponsored by the American Language Center, Fez and the brainchild of Photography Club convener Omar Chennafi, the Women's Mirror project had been several months in the making. The aim is to give women living in rural and urban areas the opportunity to express themselves through the universal medium of photography - regardless of their level of education.

Part of the display at the Women's Mirror exhibition

The ALIF-ALC Photography Club members selected the participants, showed them how to use the cameras, collected them at the end and were responsible for the display.

Members of the ALIF-ALC Photography Club

Last night's opening was attended by many of the women photographers and their families, Photo Club members, dignitaries and local residents, as well as staff and the director of the American Language Center.

Kenza Alaoui checks out the wall where viewers can write comments about the exhibition

One of the comments on the writing wall

It was followed by an enjoyable concert from American singer/songwriter and Peace Corps volunteer Socorra Camposanto and Fez oud player Hosna el Hadi. After each performing a set, they joined together in a rousing rendition of Love is a Battlefield.

Hosna el Hadi gave a lyrical set on the oud

American singer/songwriter Socorra Camposanto sang her own compositions

Given the success of last night's event, more exhibitions and concerts are being planned for the ALIF Riad, so keep an eye out for news of them in future.

It is likely that the Women's Mirror exhibition will travel to some other American Language Centers around Morocco.

When: Daily until March 24 from 3-5pm.
Where: ALIF Riad, 6 Derb Drissi, Batha, Fez Medina
Info: alifphotoclub@gmail.com or 0659661502

Story and photographs: Suzanna Clarke

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Women's Mirror Free Concert in Fez

ALIF Riad in Batha, Fez, where the Women's Mirror concert will be held on Saturday

This Saturday at 6.30pm is a free concert to celebrate International Women's Day and the opening of the Women's Mirror exhibition. 

Singer/songwriter Socorra Camposanto will be performing at the Women's Mirror Concert, along with Fez oud and guitar player Hosna el Hadi. It is part of the celebrations for the opening of the Women's Mirror exhibition, of photographs by local women. (See our story here.)

Camposanto is a Peace Corps volunteer and has spent the past two years in Morocco. "It's been great performing in little villages here," she says from her base in Oujda. "Music has been an excellent icebreaker and I've had lots of positive feedback. I've been really happy to use music as part of my service to travel around."

In fact, Camposanto says, audiences in Morocco are more openly enthusiastic about her songs than audiences in America, although sometimes she senses they are a little shocked to see a lone woman up on stage.

The songs she will perform at the Women's Mirror concert this Saturday are mostly about the Peace Corps experiences she and her friends have had. They range from feeling like an outsider, to one about a long lasting relationship one of her close friends has developed during her service. "I'm also doing one that I originally performed at Take Back the Night event in the States. "It's a 'You Go Girl' type song," she says.

Socorra Camposanto

Originally from San Jose in California, Camposanto joined the Peace Corps after graduating from college. "I wanted to do something different after college. I wasn't ready to get a desk job. I wanted to travel."

Since she arriving in Morocco in March 2010, Camposanto has taught English, co-ordinated a Science Fair in the Oujda; done tree-planting at schools and run a song writing and music club at the American Center in Oujda.

She doesn't yet know what effect her time in Morocco will have on her life after she returns to the United States in May, but says "whatever I do in future, it will involve music".

What: Women's Mirror free concert starring Socorra Camposanto and Hosna el Hadi is on Saturday March 10 at 6.30pm


Where: ALIF Riad, 6 Derb Drissi, Batha, Fez Medina. If you don't know how to find it, you can meet at the Hotel Batha at 6pm.



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Mirror on the Lives of Moroccan Women

One of the photos from the Women's Mirror exhibition

An unusual exhibition opens this Saturday, which offers a glimpse into how women living in the Fez region view their lives.

The Women's Mirror exhibition opens on March 10 at 4pm at the ALIF Riad in the Fez Medina and continues until March 24. The aim is to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8 and give an opportunity to women living in the Fez region to share their daily lives, their feelings towards society and their hopes and dreams.

It has been organized by the ALIF-ALC Photography Club. (The Arabic Language Institute Fes and American Language Center Photography Club.)

The intention of the Women's Mirror project is to give women, particularly those living in rural areas, the opportunity to express themselves and show what is important to them through the universal medium of photography, regardless of their level of education. It was originally brainchild of Omar Chennafi, convener for the ALIF-ALC Photography Club. "Through these photographs, we can glimpse the real lives of these women and how they see themselves in society," says Chennafi.

More than 20 disposable cameras were distributed to women in the Fes­‐Boulemane region and using these they have taken a series of photographs, a selection of which will be displayed at the exhibition. To give an accurate picture of the socio-economic conditions of Moroccan women, the participants included Moroccan and foreign women of a range of ages, backgrounds, and different cultural levels, both from urban and rural areas.

For many of the participants, photography is an unusual activity. "By displaying these pictures, we can show them and the viewers of the exhibition that photography and art are open to everyone, whatever their means," says Chennafi.

Chennafi says, "Members of the club have been involved at every level of the project, from finding the women to participate in the project, to distributing the cameras and giving instructions as to their use, collecting cameras, the development and selection of pictures and arranging for the display of the exhibition. The photos that are most relevant, intriguing, and exceptional have been selected for display."

The main sponsor for the exhibition is the American Language Center Fes.

When: Women's Mirror exhibition opens on Saturday March 10 from 4pm - 6pm. 
It runs until March 24 from 3-5pm daily. 
The Women's Mirror free concert is at 6.30pm on Saturday, featuring American singer/songwriter Socorra Camposanto and Fez oud and guitar player Hosna el Hadi.
Where: ALIF Riad, Address: 6, Derb Drissi, Batha, Fez Medina
Contact: Omar Chennafi 0659661502 or email alifphotoclub@gmail.com


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International Women's Day Film Launch Delayed

The Moroccan film Androman de Sange et de Charbon (Androman of Blood and Carbon), which tackles injustice against women and the issue of gender change, was due to premier in Moroccan movie theatres today as part of International Women's Day. Owing to its focus on the oppression of women, director Alaoui thought it perfect for International Women’s Day. However, the Moroccan officials expected to attend the premier had prior engagements today.

The film tells the story of a family that lives in a remote village in the Atlas Mountains. The father, Ouchen, works in coal manufacturing, a profession that has been passed down from generation to another. He has a daughter, but had hoped he would have a son to inherit the family business and keep the land, which otherwise has to go to the nearest male relative.

Director, Az Larabe Alaoui, explains,.“After the death of his wife, the father decides to turn his daughter into a boy who he calls Androman.”  The residents of the village, Alaoui, are fooled into believing that the father has a boy until the child falls into the river and her true gender is revealed to a shepherd who lives there. A love story ensues between Androman and the shepherd in what villagers think is a homosexual relationship. 

To avenge his honor after his neighbours think that his alleged son is gay, the father kills the shepherd. According to actress Jalila Tlemsi, who played the role of Androman, the film focuses on the loss of identity and the way it is related to social ailments. “The suppression Androman goes through is a reflection of the society to which the father belongs and which makes him insist on having a son even when this is not possible,” she recently told Al Arabiya .

Tlemsi, who won Best Actress at the National Film Festival in Tangiers, said Androman of Blood and Carbon was a real challenge that will play a major role in shaping her career and in her popularity. “Playing the role of a boy was very difficult. I had to be careful with the voice, the movements, and the looks.” The character of Androman, she added, is a very complicated one that required a lot of analysis before starting the shooting. “Every time I read the script, I discovered another dimension in the characters and I found many ways of approaching it.” Makeup was also another challenge, she added. She and the director spent a lot of time with the makeup artist in order to arrive at the Androman they envisioned. “I chose not to wear a wig and to shave my hair not because I wanted sensational media coverage, but because this made me relate more to the character and start living her dilemma.”

 In addition to the Best Actress award, Androman of Blood and Carbon got another three awards at the National Film Festival: Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Score, and the Critics’ Award. The date of the premier remains to be determined. 


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International Women's Day: the first woman taxi-driver in Fez

In anticipation of the upcoming International Women's Day on 8 March, we bring you the fascinating story of the first-ever woman taxi-driver in Fez.

Fez resident Vanessa Bonnin tracked down the intrepid taxi-driver, Lamiae El Oubeidi. This is Vanessa's report:

Lamiae is a formidable woman. In the face of opposition from her family, her husband, the government and society, she held firm to her ideals and in doing so broke new ground for women in Morocco. How did she do this? By becoming the first female taxi driver in Fez and the second woman to drive a cab in Morocco.

“I wanted to be the first woman in the history of Fez to take this job, so that people would be aware of how important it is for women to take such challenges,” she said.

“I want to be an example to other women, so we can [eventually] see women driving taxis, buses or even working in construction.”

A 36-year-old mother of two, Lamiae has diplomas in science, IT and accounting, but when she lost her teaching job she needed to find work to help support her children. She chose driving a taxi because she wanted to be in control of her working hours.

“This job allows me to manage my time around all my different commitments and helps me make sure I spend enough time with my kids,” she said. Her husband was already a taxi driver and she firstly had to convince him that she should contribute to the family income in the same way.

“It took me time to change his way of thinking, I’ve been pretty diplomatic explaining to him that his income isn’t enough, we have kids and expenses…so I eventually managed to convince him,” she explained.

“But other men tell my husband “You’re not a man! You let your wife go out and do such a job?” This is difficult for him.”

The second difficulty was her parents. Born to a well-bred, conservative, Fassi family Lamiae had a hard time persuading them that she would not be in danger as a female taxi driver.

“My family worried a lot…but I trust in God, I don’t think that any harm can happen to me because…I always read the Quran and pray before I go out for work…and this is the greatest protection for me,” she said.

“I’ve never faced any problems, also because I make sure to choose the right passengers, I pick up women or couples and I make sure not to go to dangerous areas…so I feel safe.


“My family was not supportive in the beginning but they are proud of me now.”

Her biggest hurdle however, was the local authorities. They refused to give her a permit to drive a taxi in Fez and only after she doggedly fought for eight years did they finally relent. Her first attempt was in 2000, but the government refused to give her the permit simply because she was a woman. She made significant efforts to “claim her right” to be a female taxi driver and eventually, with persistence she managed to get behind the wheel in 2008.

“My case was difficult because I was on my own, if there were at least ten of us we could have made a change more quickly,” she explained.

“It was impossible [for the government] to imagine that a woman could drive a taxi, so the men didn’t take me seriously, which is why it took eight years for me to be a taxi driver.”

In the meantime, another woman - Zakia Mezzourm, the subject of the documentary Taxi Casablanca – had begun driving a grand taxi in 2004. Lamaie did not know of her existence until recently but is proud that she is not alone in her efforts to change attitudes towards women in Morocco.

“Women should fight for their rights otherwise nothing changes,” she said.

“Women have achieved a lot…yet we have to stand up for our rights and take example from each other so things will be better. I want my daughter to be better than I am, and I wish the same for all Moroccan women.”

Surprisingly, the most negative reactions she gets when driving the taxi are from other women.

“Women do not encourage me as men do, many women don’t like to take the taxi when they see me driving, but I guess this takes time,” she said.

“As I assert myself in this job, people will get used to it and respect it. It was worse when I started, it was so difficult, everyone looked at me in a hostile way, but I managed to win over the appreciation and respect of other taxi drivers, and now they all see me a sister, because I’m always there for them when they need help. However, women still don’t encourage me but I can’t let those comments bring me down.”

The initial reactions she had to fight from men were stereotypical, those that thought she should be at home and baking, not driving a taxi, those that said she was a bad driver and men who tried to compete with her on the road. Yet with patience and perseverance, she has been slowly winning their respect. However, her reaction is less sympathetic to men who complain that with current unemployment levels she should not be taking jobs from them.

“My wage is very basic because it’s not my taxi, but women choose to work for basic salaries while men don’t…this is why unemployment seems to reflect more negatively on men,” she said.
“So, instead of complaining, men should take all sorts of [low-paying] jobs like women do – I would sell tissues by the side of the road to support my family. If I had the same attitude as men I would have never found a job, but I couldn’t just do nothing and wait for a job with a good salary.”

As well as educating society by setting an example, Lamaie has also managed to educate her husband – who now shares domestic responsibilities at home while she works – and educate herself in mechanical matters.

“I can fix all sorts of problems, I learned this through experience, I had to learn these things,” she said.

“Every woman who drives a car should have a basic knowledge of how to deal with mechanical problems. Now I always make sure that everything is alright with the car before I go out to work, so I avoid any breakdowns.”

When she was younger, Lamaie dreamed of becoming a pilot. It didn’t happen for her but now she hopes that by setting an example she can help other women shoot for the sky.

“I’ve always wanted to do something that would make me feel unique and I just thought ‘why not?’” she said.

“I have the ability to face the way people look at me…they don’t like what I’m doing, yet I wanted to challenge the way people see women. Doing this job I can control my time, spend time with my kids and be my own boss. Life is hard and once you have children you need to offer them a comfortable life and support them to make their dreams come true. I want to see women taking all possible jobs and encourage women to challenge themselves. That’s what I’m aiming to achieve, and that’s why I took this job, to set an example to young women and show them that anything is possible.”

With thanks to Robert Spencer Harrison for the photographs, and Maryam el Haytami for the translation.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

The one hundredth International Women's Day falls on 8 March this year.

In honour of the occasion, a special Diva's Dinner will be held on 6 March (more details to follow). There will also be a tombola - tickets are only Dh50 and the prizes are pretty spectacular. Tickets will be available from next week at Fez Cafe, Cafe Clock, Fes et Gestes and the ALIF bookshop.

The prizes include:

· One night at Riad Maison Bleue

· Dinner at Dar Roumana, including wine

· Café Clock cooking class

· Spa and Hammam at Riad Laaroussa

· Photographic portrait with Omar Chennafi

· Annual pass for the French Institute – free use of library and DVD’s

· Belly dancing class with Saida

· Dinner for two at Fez Café – ‘Menu de Chef’

· Accommodation at Riad Tizwa

· Lunch at Fes et Gestes

· Mystery prize with Tours around Fes

· Fez Deli hamper

With prizes like these, you'll need several tombola tickets!