The empowerment of women is a crucial element of sustainable development in rural communities in Morocco. A recent study conducted by the Haut Atlas Foundation highlights the positive impact of sustainable agricultural initiatives preceded by women's empowerment workshops. This approach enables participatory action, improves community well-being, and decentralizes resources. This article explores the "Imagine" experience of the Haut Atlas Foundation in the rural commune of Toubkal, Taroudant province, and underscores the importance of women's education in the success of these projects.
Expérience « Imagine »:
The Haut Atlas Foundation has implemented the "Imagine" program, a four-day workshop aimed at promoting personal and collective empowerment of women. This program, based on rights and incorporating the Family Code of Morocco (Moudawana), provides a space for women to explore their individual and strategic goals. Participants also have the opportunity to explore their legal protections and enhance their financial independence through cooperative-building activities.
In the village of Aguerzrane, where the "Imagine" workshop was organized in 2017, the women decided to establish an organic fruit tree and medicinal herb nursery. This initiative generated income for the community through the sale of plants and contributed to household needs. The nursery was established on newly constructed agricultural terraces on previously eroded mountain slopes, which helped restore the environment while supporting local economic development.
The Importance of Women's Education in Projects
A comparative study conducted in the villages of Aguerzrane and Missour revealed the importance of women's education in the success of development initiatives. In Aguerzrane, where women participated in the empowerment workshop before receiving seeds and materials, greater individual and collective awareness led to increased women's participation in education and employment. In contrast, in Missour, where trees were provided without inclusive participatory planning, there were limited economic benefits for women, although household incomes increased. However, some families were able to relocate to urban areas, providing better educational opportunities for girls.
Empowering Women and Climate Action
This study highlights the crucial importance of empowering women in the context of climate action and sustainable development. Women's empowerment workshops have proven effective in promoting sustainable cross-sectoral development. However, organizational capacity remains a challenge as the Haut Atlas Foundation faces constraints in terms of funding and personnel. Despite a strategy aimed at achieving national scale, it is essential to strengthen local participatory experiences to ensure successful implementation of strategic solutions.
Empowering women in rural communities in Morocco is a key driver of sustainable development. Sustainable agricultural initiatives preceded by women's empowerment workshops, such as the "Imagine" program by the Haut Atlas Foundation, promote participatory action, improved community well-being, and resource decentralization. However, challenges remain, including organizational capacity and the need to strengthen local participatory experiences. By placing women and girls at the forefront of development, we can ensure inclusive climate actions and a positive impact on communities and the country as a whole.Read More
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