The opening ceremony of this edition, under the theme “The Ouaouzguit carpet between tourism promotion and socio-economic empowerment of women weavers”, was enhanced by the presence of the Minister of Tourism, Crafts and Industry. ‘Social and solidarity economy, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, from the Secretary of State for Crafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, Lahcen Essaadi, from the director of the National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and the Argan Tree (ANDZOA), Latifa Yaakoubi, of the governor of the province of Ouarzazate, Abdellah Jahid, of the president of the Regional Council of Drâa-Tafilalet, Hro Abrou, of elected officials and representatives of professional bodies and civil society.
The opening ceremony of this economic and cultural event was marked by the organization of a colorful show showing the different stages of carpet manufacturing from the collection and washing of the wool, to the weaving.
Spread over an area of 3,000m2, the Salon includes a space dedicated to the exhibition and marketing of carpets, as well as an institutional space and a cultural center.
Organized by the Chamber of Crafts of the Drâa-Tafilalet region and the province of Ouarzazate, in partnership with the Municipal Council of Taznakht and the Ouarzazate Events association, this event intends to celebrate this authentic cultural heritage and highlight the role of women weavers in local economic development.
According to the organizers, this edition also aims to promote tourism of Ouaouzguite carpets through the organization of shows and activities highlighting the beauty and splendor of this masterpiece while presenting its history and cultural importance. and economical.
The festival also aims to promote the socio-economic empowerment of women weavers by providing them with a platform to present and market their products and by strengthening their capacities in the field of production and marketing of ouaouzguit carpets.
On the menu for this edition are workshops and seminars on the ouaouzguit carpet weaving industry with meetings aimed at the exchange of experiences between women weavers and the actors and institutions in charge of the sector.
This edition is organized with the support of the Maison de l’Artisanat, the Provincial Council of Ouarzazate and the National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and the Argan Tree (ANDZOA).
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Socio-Economic Empowerment through Carpet Weaving
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to discuss the recent opening ceremony centered around the theme “The Ouaouzguit carpet between tourism promotion and socio-economic empowerment of women weavers”. Can you start by highlighting the significance of this event?
Expert (E): Good morning! Absolutely. This ceremony represents a unique convergence of culture, craftsmanship, and economic empowerment. Ouaouzguit carpets not only showcase exquisite Moroccan artistry, but they are also pivotal in promoting tourism and uplifting local communities—particularly the women weavers who traditionally keep this craft alive.
TNE: It’s inspiring to hear about the empowerment of women in this context. At the event, several prominent figures were present, including government officials. How does their involvement enhance the impact of this initiative?
E: Having key figures like the Minister of Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, and other officials shows strong governmental support for local crafts and communities. Their presence highlights the commitment to promoting the social and solidarity economy. It also raises awareness about the importance of empowering women and supporting their livelihoods through traditional crafts.
TNE: The socio-economic aspect is crucial. Can you elaborate on how this initiative can directly benefit the women weavers?
E: Certainly. By promoting Ouaouzguit carpets, there’s potential for increased demand both locally and internationally. This can lead to fair wages for the weavers and help them gain financial independence. Moreover, when women are economically empowered, it often results in better education and health outcomes for their families, creating a positive ripple effect in their communities.
TNE: That’s a profound impact. During the opening ceremony, there was a colorful show demonstrating the stages of carpet manufacturing. How important is it to showcase these traditional techniques?
E: Very important! Showcasing the intricate process of carpet weaving not only celebrates the cultural heritage but also educates the public on the craftsmanship involved. This can cultivate appreciation, elevate the status of the weavers, and encourage more responsible tourism—where visitors engage with the culture rather than just passively observe.
TNE: With these goals in mind, what do you think are the next steps for the stakeholders involved in this project?
E: The next steps should focus on sustainable development strategies. This could include training programs for women to enhance their skills, improving access to markets, and creating partnerships with tourism companies that value authentic cultural experiences. Additionally, fostering networks among weavers can strengthen their collective bargaining power and showcase their artistry more effectively.
TNE: It sounds like there is a solid foundation laid for future growth. Before we conclude, do you have any final thoughts on the potential of weaving as a tool for social change?
E: Absolutely! Weaving is not just a craft; it is a powerful medium for cultural expression and economic viability. If leveraged correctly, weaving can create a sustainable future for many women in Morocco, preserving their traditions while adapting to modern economic realities. This initiative may well serve as a model for similar projects in other regions.
TNE: Thank you for your insights! It’s been enlightening to discuss how traditional crafts can lead to significant cultural and economic transformations. We look forward to following the progress of this initiative.
E: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing such an important topic.