Therefore, in consideration of their major role in socio-economic activity, rural women occupy a preponderant place in the programs supported by the INDH, particularly in the fields of agriculture and crafts. Programs that seek to improve the situation of women and strengthen their economic empowerment, particularly in rural areas, through the implementation of income-generating projects, the promotion of maternal and child health, and the acquisition of ambulances. or even improving the educational conditions of rural girls thanks to quality services in the areas of accommodation and school transport.
The celebration of the International Day of Rural Women is, in this regard, an opportunity to highlight the projects carried out in their favor by the INDH, mainly in the areas of health and education.
In this regard, the province of Médiouna organized two meetings, one at the Youth Socio-Professional Center and the other at the El Mejattia Ouled Taleb model farm. The objective was to highlight the multiple contributions of the INDH to the economic empowerment of women, particularly in rural areas.
Two communication meetings which made it possible to highlight the important place occupied by women, particularly those who live and work in rural areas, in the INDH’s programs, as Siham Boukhraouaa, head of the division of Social Action in the province of Médiouna. For her, the INDH provides support and support to rural women with a view to helping them face the challenges posed, particularly in terms of access to the job market, education and health.
She indicated that the INDH made it possible to carry out income-generating activities as well as projects in favor of mother and child health, in addition to the mobilization of ambulances as well as the improvement of living conditions. accommodation in the student’s houses as well as school transport.
She also highlighted the importance of the active participation of women in the governance mechanisms concerning the INDH, which initiative also promotes the contribution of rural women in the realization of development projects within the framework of cooperatives and for the benefit project leaders.
Substantial support which ensured the success of projects and other income-generating activities, palpably improving the daily lives of beneficiaries and their economic situation, she welcomed.
For her part, the president of the agricultural association of Greater Casablanca, Khadija El Hejaji indicated at the microphone of the MAP that the model farm El Mejattia Ouled Taleb created four years ago thanks to a partnership with the INDH, has welcomed a significant number of rural women, which gave rise to the creation of 45 cooperatives, 20 of which were reserved for rural women.
Ms. Hejaji, who also heads the El Majettia Ouled Taleb youth platform, said that cooperatives benefit from support in terms of management, training and marketing of products, in addition to their assistance in obtaining authorizations. granted by the National Food Safety Office (ONSSA), for the purpose of marketing products in strict compliance with the standards in force.
And to conclude by assuring that the vast majority of rural women have been able to improve their socio-economic situation thanks to programs and other income-generating activities supported by the INDH.
For her part, Meryem Taibi, president of the carpet cooperative in Médiouna, told MAP that she is committed to the programs of this model farm in 2022 by following training in the field of carpet making. , welcoming the contribution of the INDH to the preservation of craft professions in the pure Moroccan tradition.
”Our cooperative had only five women when it was created. Today, there are 15 artisans in the tapestry and sewing sectors who have managed, one thing leading to another, to improve their socio-economic situation,” says this mother of four from the Al Hafari douar in El Mejattia. Ouled Taleb (Médiouna).
Note that certificates were awarded to beneficiaries of INDH programs in Médiouna, namely residents of student houses, patients admitted to centers dedicated to maternal and child health, representatives of women’s cooperatives as well as project leaders who have benefited from the support and support of the INDH.
Projects carried out and many others planned thanks to the INDH which have made it possible to improve the daily lives of rural women through the promotion of health and education, essential pillars of development. The INDH not only improves the living conditions of project beneficiaries but much more: fosters an environment conducive to their personal and social development, especially for women and children in remote regions of the Kingdom.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Siham Boukhraouaa, Head of the Division of Social Action in Médiouna
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Siham! We’re grateful to have you here today to discuss the important role of rural women in socio-economic activities, especially in light of the recent initiatives by the INDH. To start, can you share your thoughts on why focusing on rural women is so crucial for economic development?
Siham Boukhraouaa: Thank you for having me. Focusing on rural women is vital because they are key players in agriculture and crafts, which are essential sectors for our economy. By empowering them through income-generating projects, we not only improve their lives but also stimulate local economies. When rural women thrive, entire communities benefit.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful message. The International Day of Rural Women provides a platform to highlight the INDH’s projects aimed at improving women’s situations. Can you elaborate on some of these key initiatives and their impacts?
Siham Boukhraouaa: Certainly! The INDH has implemented a range of programs that focus on health, education, and economic empowerment. For instance, we support projects that promote maternal and child health and provide ambulances to improve access to healthcare. Our initiatives also include enhancing educational conditions for rural girls by improving accommodation and transport. These changes have significantly uplifted the quality of life for many women.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive approach! The recent meetings in Médiouna at the Youth Socio-Professional Center and the El Mejattia Ouled Taleb model farm showcased these contributions. What kind of feedback did you receive from the participants there?
Siham Boukhraouaa: The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many women shared their stories of transformation through our programs. They expressed gratitude for the opportunities that have led to better job prospects, enhanced health services, and improved education for their daughters. This kind of engagement is crucial for understanding the impact of our initiatives firsthand.
Time.news Editor: The governance participation of rural women is also a critical aspect of these initiatives. How has the INDH supported this involvement?
Siham Boukhraouaa: We believe that the active participation of women in governance is essential for sustainable development. The INDH has created platforms where rural women can voice their needs and participate in decision-making processes. This involvement fosters ownership of projects and ensures that the initiatives are aligned with the actual needs of the communities they serve.
Time.news Editor: That’s fantastic to hear. Khadija El Hejaji mentioned that the model farm has led to the establishment of 45 cooperatives, with 20 specifically for rural women. Can you tell us more about the support these cooperatives receive?
Siham Boukhraouaa: Absolutely. These cooperatives benefit from extensive support in various areas, including management, training, and marketing of products. We assist them in obtaining necessary licenses from the National Food Safety Office so that they can market their goods while adhering to strict safety standards. This guidance not only helps them establish their businesses but also ensures that their products are viable in the market.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like these initiatives are making real strides in improving both the economic and social conditions for rural women. How do you envision the future of rural women’s empowerment in Morocco?
Siham Boukhraouaa: I am optimistic about the future. As more rural women engage in cooperatives and gain access to education and healthcare, we will see a ripple effect across their communities. Our goal is to create an ecosystem where women are not just beneficiaries but active contributors to economic growth. This will require continuous effort, collaboration, and support, but I believe we’re on the right path.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Siham, for sharing these insights with us. It’s inspiring to see the progress being made and the commitment to empowering rural women. We look forward to hearing more about these impactful initiatives in the future.
Siham Boukhraouaa: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues, and I look forward to continuing this conversation as we keep moving forward.