Article written by AMAFF (Moroccan Association for the Support of Women and Families) – Morocco
Every day, women walk through the doors of the Moroccan Association for the Support of Women and Families (AMAFF) in search of a listening ear, support and hope. Since its creation, this association has had a simple but essential mission: to support women victims of violence and help them rebuild their lives with dignity. Thanks to funding from GERES as part of the FAME project, the association was able to take a big step forward in 2025.
New premises for a better welcome
The first major change was the move to larger, more welcoming premises. This calm and welcoming space allows each woman to feel safe. It also helps the team to better organise activities and create the climate of trust necessary for any support work.
The other major change concerns the counselling centre. Previously, women had to make an appointment. Now, thanks to the recruitment of a full-time professional, they can be welcomed and listened to quickly, without having to wait. This availability can make all the difference: sometimes, being able to talk at the right time makes all the difference.
“Yasmine”: a comprehensive project for women’s independence
At the heart of this initiative is the “Yasmine for an independent and fulfilled woman” project, a 12-month program that addresses several aspects: psychological, social, economic, environmental and institutional.
Rebuilding their lives and regaining confidence
The primary objective of the project is to combat poverty and insecurity among women who are victims of violence. More than 180 women have received individual psychological support. Over 460 support sessions using a variety of approaches have helped them to alleviate their suffering and break out of their isolation.
The results are encouraging: more than 80 participants have strengthened their self-confidence thanks to psychological support and assertiveness workshops. Around 30 women and children have discovered the benefits of art therapy. On a professional level, nearly 90 women have benefited from social support, and around ten have taken part in training courses to set up their own small businesses and earn an income.
Raising awareness to prevent violence
The second objective mobilises the whole of society to reduce violence and defend women’s rights. Since the program began, more than 350 people have been made aware of the issue through various actions.
Sixty-six young people have participated in workshops on psychological and verbal violence to better understand how it works. More than 20 women have attended a seminar on the Family Code. Nearly 80 parents and educators have taken training courses on child-rearing.
On social media, the association published more than 48 posts that were viewed nearly 35,000 times, reaching a wide audience.
Environment and education
The Yasmine project also included an environmental component in partnership with GERES. More than 150 young people and women participated in environmental awareness activities in schools. Workshops on environmental protection and canine rabies prevention reached more than 100 students. An educational outing allowed 37 beneficiaries and volunteers to discover nature as a place of learning and well-being.
Strengthening the association for sustainability
To ensure the initiative’s long-term viability, part of the funding was used to strengthen AMAFF’s organisation. A strategic plan was created to guide future actions. Nine job descriptions and five work procedures were put in place. The recruitment of three professionals — a social worker, an administrative assistant and a communications officer — improved the association’s operations.
A partnership for social transformation
The Yasmine project illustrates the power of a well-designed partnership between GERES and AMAFF. It combines psychosocial support, economic empowerment, environmental education and organisational structuring.
Behind every statistic lies a human story: that of a woman who has regained her self-confidence, a child who has learned respect, a team that is becoming more professional in order to better serve its mission. Because when you support a woman, you change a family. And when you change a family, you change an entire society.
On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Yasmine project reminds us that with the right resources, determination and a comprehensive approach, it is possible to offer women who are victims of violence much more than a refuge: a real path to autonomy and fulfilment.
