Feminist civil society organisations (CSOs) play a key role in promoting women’s rights and fighting for gender equality in Morocco. Through their actions on the ground, they respond to the social and economic challenges faced by women and girls, and help to strengthen gender equality.
To this end, FAME is supporting a number of Moroccan women’s CSOs in implementing projects aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment, by combating gender-based violence, providing vocational training and raising awareness of rights, particularly economic rights. Thanks to this support, these associations will be able to strengthen their impact and extend their actions among beneficiaries.
CSOs involved throughout the country
At the same time, these organisations have contributed to strengthening women’s participation in the economy and civil society by helping thousands of women to become financially independent and to become entrepreneurs. Despite this progress, many challenges remain, and feminist CSOs are continuing to take action on the ground to guarantee effective and lasting equality.
The CSOs selected by FAME cover a wide range of issues essential to improving women’s living conditions. They are based in different regions of Morocco, reflecting the diversity of women’s rights issues in local contexts.
Here is an overview of the CSOs and projects selected:
- IPDF (Initiative for the Protection of Women’s Rights) : Founded in 1998 in Fez, IPDF is an autonomous, non-profit women’s advocacy association. Its strategic mission is to implement gender equality in law and in practice, by defending women’s universal rights. Its “Elles Urbaines” project aims to strengthen the economic and social empowerment of women living in precarious urban environments, with a focus on safety, education and the fight against violence.
- AMAFF (Association Marocaine pour l’accompagnement de la femme et de la famille – Moroccan Association for the Support of Women and the Family), founded in 2013 in Casablanca, aims to develop the capacities of women and the family, raise awareness of women and the family in the legal, economic and social spheres, and help integrate women economically and socially. The association assists women victims of violence by offering them psychological, social and professional support. Its “Yasmine” project offers an integration programme for these women, helping them to develop eco-responsible initiatives and gain access to the job market.
- Association Ennakhil, founded in Marrakech in February 1997, is an intermediary national NGO whose mission is to establish human rights on an equal footing in Moroccan law and public policy. Recognised for its expertise in equal human rights, it is implementing the “Rehabilitation, empowerment, hope” project, which targets women and girls in areas affected by the earthquake of 8 September 2023. The aim of the project is to offer them training opportunities and access to finance in order to promote sustainable economic recovery.
- Founded in 2023 in Rabat, APCE (Association pour la Promotion de la Culture de l’Égalité) is an active defender of women’s rights. By organising the “Assises du féminisme” in Rabat, and launching Egalitémag, it is seeking to be a vector for change by helping to spread gender equality in Morocco. Her “Assises du féminisme – Edition 2” project is helping to strengthen feminist advocacy and influence public and institutional debate in favour of more egalitarian reform.
- The AMNA association was founded in 1998 in Tangiers by a group of women human rights activists. It works to combat violence against women and children by guaranteeing respect for their rights. Since its creation, thousands of women and children have benefited from the association’s various services. Espace Amna is committed to protecting women and children who are victims of violence, and offers a “Cooperative and Self-Employed Women’s Desk”. This project aims to support rural women by giving them easier access to the resources and economic opportunities they need to empower themselves.
- La Voix de la Femme Amazighe, founded in 2009, is the first Amazigh women’s rights association in Morocco. It works to promote women’s rights and build their capacities through programmes and activities in the fields of human rights education, psychological support, legal guidance and legal literacy in the Amazigh language. Its project “Strengthening the economic integration of Amazigh women” encourages the development and marketing of local products while promoting sustainable and ecological practices.
- The Al-Nada association, founded in October 2023, is committed to the emancipation of women and the fight against poverty in the Zenata and Ain Harrouda regions. Its aim is to welcome women from these regions and offer them workshops and training in sewing and cooking, personal development workshops, private lessons for their children and language courses too. Al-Nada runs the “A Life of Success” project, which supports women who have been resettled after their homes have been refurbished. This programme enables them to access training and develop skills for their professional integration.
- NABTA MAROC, was created in 2015 with the aim of sustainably improving the living conditions of the most deprived rural and peri-urban families. It operates in two regions: El Menzeh (Skhirat Témara) and M’Hamid El Ghizlane (Zagora Province). This association combines training, research and social action and supports marginalised populations. With “Nabta InserPro”, the association is setting up a professional integration programme that offers personalised support on the road to employment or entrepreneurship.
- The Diyaa cooperative, set up in May 2019 in Tangier, is made up of 4 women and one man from different backgrounds and profiles, and aims to design, manufacture and market solar solutions for local produce and agriculture. Its “Sustainable solar solutions” project promotes the use of renewable energies in rural areas, particularly among households and farmers.
Structured support for a lasting impact
Through FAME, these CSOs receive technical and financial support to help them put their initiatives into practice, maximise their impact on the ground and strengthen their internal structures. In this way, they can better respond to the needs of women and pursue their commitment to a more equitable and inclusive society.
In March, the official launch of the projects marks a new stage for these feminist CSOs and the beneficiaries they support. Through their actions, they will continue to carry the voice of women and fight for real and lasting equality in Morocco.
