Day SIX in Morocco- Nov. 13, 2009

Posted January 14, 2010 by lubnam
Categories: MOROCCO

6th day of delegations- Friday 11/13/2009

 Last day of Delegations.  Today is the day to visit the cooperatives.  I am assigned to the 1st group that would be going to Buttons- cooperative artisanale Feminine de Boutons en soie “Cerises” –Sefrou, with button class and home lunch.  This sounded so interesting to explore but I wanted to go to the 2nd group “Adwal Weavers Cooperative”- Ribat El Kheir .  It is located in the Eastern Middle Atlas Mountains at 3500 feet, and is 50km from both Fes and Sefrou.  (Of course me and Megan were able to change our assignments…no comment there :)) This village is a mix of both traditional and modern views.  You can find girls optioned not to finish their school and went to learn a skill in one of these cooperatives while others pursued further their education, finshed high school or better yet, they got a PHD.   We talked to the supervisor and manager of the “Rabat Al-kheir” business to have an idea about the work of the women there.  Everyone bought shawls and rugs, very well made.   After we visited the cooperative, 4 girls were all around me speaking with me in Arabic and inviting me to their homes.  

People in the area are very respectful and have  a great hospitality.  One family invited the group of 14 women from the CWD to have lunch at their humble home.   All the delegates rode the bus heading to the house where the lunch is being prepared  which was 2 blocks away but these 4 girls won’t let me go.   They were between the ages of 16 – 18 years old.  They were asking me questions about the education in the States and trying to compare it to the education in their town.   I thought that was very helpful to them so I walked with them where they were giggling, laughing and holding my hand all the way to the house.  I was the only person left walking with them.  It was really fun.   We arrived to the home of this humble lady with her husband, 4 kids and the grandmother.  We sat in a rectangle room where everyone sat together shoulder to shoulder.   The room was small compared to the number of people in it.  It seemed that the whole village came with us and joined us for lunch.  They served home made couscous as the first meal with chicken, special olives, Moroccan bread and ending it with fruit and Moroccan tea.

The Mayor of the town and other officials joined us and treated us like royalty.  We took pictures and as we were ready to leave, the grandmother came in say hello to everyone.  It was a very touchy moment where you see infront of you generations together share the same humble life style.  The grandmother was an adorable old lady who seemed very healthy.  Actually, she helped prepare the meal for us.  I don’t know what happened to me but as she was speaking  my eyes were teary, it was a  “ WOW” moment for me.  I am not sure how to explain that, but she was a full of history, wealth, vulnerability that really threw me off.   (see picture below)

We went back on the bus saying our goodbyes to our hosts.  It was a long departure.  Everyone started side conversations where then Autumn (the coordinator for that trip) started herding us to the bus so we will be on time for other activities.  We had to leave as we were scheduled with other appointments for that night.    After we arrived to the hotel, I went to the Souk (market) with some of the delegates.  The Souk was closed on Fridays but some of the stores that Saeed (our tour guide ) knew arranged to have them open for us.  I got a lot of spices and products that are known to be great for hair, asthma, skin and wrinkles – no not for me :).  Other delegates bought beautiful rugs and antiques.  Morocco is known of it’s distinguished rugs as they have the Berber, traditional and other kinds of designs that was really hard to keep track off. 

We returned to the hotel at 8pm to have fun at the henna session.  The lady who did the henna for us was very artistic. She drew pictures on some of the women’s hand while music played and other danced to the lovely “Andaluseya” songs.   

The next day we went back to Rabat and checked in back at our hotel.  It was the last day to say our Goodbyes to the beautiful Morocco.  We said goodbyes to each other, took pictures with Saeed (our tour guide) before each delegate left to their different flights leaving to Casablanca and back to the States.

 

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Day FIVE in Morocco- Nov. 12, 2009

Posted January 11, 2010 by lubnam
Categories: MOROCCO

5th day of delegations- Thursday 11/12/2009

Today was the day where we met with women in the Fes region and services for marginalized women.  The meeting was in “Sayes Fes Community”.  Souad Sallawi, a  law professor was the leader of the Moroccan women (slaouisouad@yahoo.fr).   Another presenter was “Rajae Slaoui Hammouda/ presidents of the Espace Point de Depart Fez”, Rajaeslaoui@hotmaill.fr Tel; (212) 035 94 28 21.  They presented the history about women in politics in Morocco and the obstacles that were facing them for the past 35 years. 

The community center seemed to be a historic building, the walls were covered with colorful tiles that looked amazing.  (See picture below).  It was long rectangle room, were most of the Moroccan women sat on one side of the room and the delegates with the CWD from Washington sat on the opposite side- just a coincedence.  The presentations were translated in 3 languages English, French and Arabic.  I was sitting in the east side with the Moroccan women, who only knew Arabic and French.  During presentations they served us the famous Moroccan tea and sweats.  It was really hard to resist, if you were on a diet in this trip, this is the best time to break it.  It was worth it.

Some of the information presented to the group was on how women were active in the business field, working on sewing and embroidery.  Some of the women participated in entrepreneur work specializing as a “Wedding Organization” that serves hundreds of individuals.  Their embroidery work was targeting newly wed couples who purchase towels and sheets with special requests for specific embroidery designs on them.

Most of the entrepreneur work was conducted in an informal manner.  This means it wasn’t not required to provide a business license or office signs.  The women in charge hire the appropriate staff to help conducting the work where they utilize their own vehicles to transport the products and proceed with the necessary businesses.  The majority of these businesses get funding through microcredits.  Microcredits play a key role in the success of the small businesses where 70% of the market that is represented by women takes advantage of this opportunity.  This worked perfectly under the current new laws in Morocco which allowed people to do businesses under these conditions where 20 years ago was impossile to accomplish. 

The new laws that the King has approved in Morocco, allowed Moroccan women to open their own businesses and enhance their family situation without the requirement of submitting the husband’s approval as it was required before.  The King’s support sent a clear message to everyone that women’s participation was a key success of their community.  Morocco hosted a women’s conference two years ago that gathered the total of 425 entrepreneur businesses for women from different ages.  These businesses did not only attract younger generations but provided opportunities for divorced women to enhance their family situation and support their kids.  Other presenters talked about women in rural areas and their involvement in elections and illiteracy activities to imprisoned women and youth.

After the presentation ended, Senator Lisa Brown, the leader of the delegations presented the presenters with gifts from Washington as an appreciation of their work and token of our relationship.

We departed to the Al-Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI). We drove towards the Middle of the Atlas Mountain for 1.45 hours. The areas were colder and known of its non-stop snow during winter.  Actually it was considered the Switzerland of Morocco.  The buildings were designed beautifully with cathedral ceilings and roofs to endure the snow and allow it to slide down smoothly not causing problems.  The university name means “The 2 brothers university”- the story says that the two brothers are King Fahed- Saudi Arabia King and King Hassan, Morocco’s King.  The university was built as an appreciation of the money gift of $50 million that was given from Saudi Arabia to Morocco to clean up an oil spill that was caused by a Saudi oil Tank.  During that time the wind cleaned up the spill and therefore there was no need to spend the money to clean up the area.  King Hassan of Morocco couldn’t return the gift as it is considered inappropriate in the Middle Eastern culture to return gifts, so he decided to build a university named under both kings to show an appreciation of the relationship of  both countries.

At the university, the group of delegates separated into tow groups to go in a tour of the campus facilities.  The University and Moroccan’s respected religions and there were 3 separate areas for students to pray.  They had a masjid for muslims, a church for christians and a temple for jewish students.  At the Campus we saw a huge swimming pool and workout room, computer center, a stock exchange and -an impressive- Hilary Rodham Clinton Women’s Empowerment Center.  After the tours we gathered in a room for a presentation by student leadership group which consist of 10 female students.  The girls showed a video presentation on what they see themselves doing in 2030.  It was a very impressive presentation as it reflects their imagination on their accomplishment and how the world will look like in their eyes.  As usual, Senator Lisa Brown presented gifts to the group of presenter and the president of the university for their hospitality. 

The group took pictures then we departed to the “Riad Myra” Restaurant and to end the day with a taste of the great Moroccan food and music.

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Day FOUR in Morocco- Nov. 11, 2009

Posted December 30, 2009 by lubnam
Categories: MOROCCO

4th day of delegations- Wednesday 11/11/2009

The group was getting ready this morning to check out from the hotel, leaving Rabat to Fez stopping on the way at Volubulis and Meknes.  Before our departure we will visit with a Member of Parliament (MP) Mrs. Zahra Chagaf, Presidente de L’union des Femmes Haraki.

We arrived at Mrs. Chagaf’s house around 10:00am.  Her villa was very beautiful.   As we entered her house, she invited us to wonder around the rooms, which was very hard not to obey as she had the most beautiful and artistic formal and living rooms designed with comfortable Morocon’s seats and ornaments.  Her formal living room was designed with Moroccan colorful tiles on the walls while her informal TV room had floor seating with comfortable cushions and nice library.     You can see the swimming pool from the large clean windows as well as the bushes and palm trees in her backyard.  Her cooks were preparing lunch for the 38 delegates who were wondering around, chatting and taking pictures.  Two American women from Oklahoma who were working on humanitarian and civil rights issues in the Western Sahara in Morocco briefed us on the never ending issue in that area.  They explained how the conflict started 35 years ago between Algerie and Morocco to declare that piece of area as part of their country.  Those who reside in these areas were led out of their homes and placed in refugee camps, waiting for U.N. and outside assistances with solutions to their dilemma.  Unfortunately, until the conflict is resolved generations are being born and raised in a place where there are no connections to the outside world.  The conversation continued for almost an hour until the lunch was served.  The food consisted of famous Moroccon couscous, meat, vegetables, chicken and other appetizers.  After we finished the lovely lunch, we said our goodbyes to our hostess and finalized it with group pictures. The group then took the bus and headed to Meknes. (see pictures in Zahar’s house)

Meknes: is the agricultural city, an annual agricultural celebration is held in this city.  Mortgage system is the only system in Morocco to own a condominium and the only way for middle class people to buy a house. Meknes was a victim of earthquakes and lots of damages occurred as a result.  The governor lives in Meknes as well as most of the upper class people of Morrcco.

We visited the ancient ruins of the Romans in Volubulis.  We watched the sunset behind the ancient stones that witnessed the history that was destroyed by earthquakes.  I was the last person to leave the area, as you see we were snapping pictures of the amazing “Madina of Volubulis” at sunset which was very hard to depart.
( see pictures below of Volubulis and the great sunset…).

In Meknes, Medina, we went to have dinner at “ Zitouna”, 44, Jamaa Zitouna, Meknes, Medina, Tel: 05350281-  if you happen to be in the area, you MUST go.  They have fabulous food and the atmosphere is magnificent.  Just take an extra jacket in case the AC was on.

Finally, the bus arrived at Fez at 10:00pm at the “Les Merinides” Hotel.  I was tired and exhausted as well as my other colleagues. We crashed in our rooms waiting for another day with another exciting adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Day THREE in Morocco- Nov. 10, 2009

Posted December 21, 2009 by lubnam
Categories: MOROCCO

3rd day of delegations- Tuesday 11/10/2009

This was the big day. We had a conference at the “Le Tour Hassan” hotel. The Day was full of briefings and roundtable discussions on women in politics and entrepreneurship.  Leaders from across Morocco, representing diverse sectors, were invited today.

The first briefings were from a panel from women in politics that consisted from delegate speakers from our group and women in politics in Morocco.   Our delegates were led by the magnificent Senator Lisa Brown who opened the conference and continued by our chair Shawna woods, Cathy Allen and Connie Niva.  As from the Moroccan side, we listened to “Zuhur Chigaf” a member in Parliament-MP – she is the Presidente de l’union des Femmes Haraki.  She presented on the Western Sahara area.  She talked about the problem in the Western Sarah Area and the conflict that has been existing there for the past 35 years.  

They talked about “Detinouf”- a town the south between Morocco and Algerie where it has a detainee center of women, men and children.  Women in Morocco were striving and eager to make a change and participate in the community.  Some of their accomplishments were the “Al Mudawana”, amended by the criminal and economical law that allowed women to take charge of their lives and advance themselves by being able to increase their participation in leadership positions such as the Parliament.  Efforts that provided women empowerment and increase their global recognition were on the move.

Another presenter was Siham Bojji, Responsible Principle of Programs- (NDI)National democratic Institute – for international Affairs.

The audience moved to participate in workshops at the end of the conference room. Each table consisted of some delegates from U.S., women from Morocco and translators since some of the women of Morocco didn’t know English but most knew Arabic and French.

It was a very interesting discussion.  You can hear all kind of languages flying all over our heads, English, French and Arabic.  I was the translator on our table as well as Brittany Beaulieu and Connie Niva.  Women from Morocco were happy that I spoke in Arabic and the fact that I was from Jordan.  We exchanged business cards and they all insisted that I call them before I leave to the States. It was an honor to talk to all of them and learn about the magnificent work all of them are doing.  It was interesting how we all understood each other as we in more than one occasion used the 3 languages in one sentence.

We finished our sessions heading to lunch, the hotel’s architect was magnificent with trees, fountains and beautiful tiles. (See pictures of conference at “Hassan Hotel”)

The afternoon started with 2nd round of workshops, the participants on my table were Ilham Zhiril: Pole development de Lentreprenanarait Feminin, Ramona m. el Hamzaoui, assistant Director- USAID Morocco (U.S. Agency for International Development, Amina Yabis: Cooperative Artisanale Feminine de Boutons en Soie ‘Cerises’- Sefrou http://boutonsdecerises.wordpress.com , and Naema Birali: L’association D’artisanat Des Femmes De khenfira. Artisanat2009@hotmail.com making necklesses and bracelets.

It was interesting to know that Amina and Naema are competitors but yet they assist each other to succeed.  Women in the region tend to care more if all of them succeed in the business.  As a matter of fact Amina assisted Naema to get the necessary skills to start similar shops and both of them are doing great. 

The final presenter was Fatema Mernisi: speaking on Islam and the Media. Fatema is a Moroccan feminist writer and sociologist.  She is concerned in Islam and the women’s role in it. Through her books and writings she analyzed the historical development of Islamic thought and its modern manifestation.  The group enjoyed her presentation as she had a lot of sense of humor.  Of course the discussion followed with Q &A and a group picture followed. (See picture of  FATEMA and the group).

At 5:00pm the group of delegates departed back to the hotel which was only a block away. we r rushing to get ready for the reception at the American Embassy, hosted by the U.S. Ambassador, Sam Kaplan and his wife.  Other leaders in the community who are working on women’s leadership/empowerment issues were invited to this event.  I met wonderful people and we exchanged cards and took pictures. We concluded the night at 10:00pm and took the bus back to the hotel.

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Day TWO in Morocco- Nov. 9, 2009

Posted December 21, 2009 by lubnam
Categories: MOROCCO

2nd day of delegations- Monday 11/9/2009

The group left to the Faculty of Law, economic, and social sciences to be briefed on literacy issues.  The Moroccan speaker was Mrs. Fatima El Gueddari – Chief of the Center for literacy and information education in the Rabat region / Ministry of Education.    The center for Women and Democracy speaker was Kate Brayko, an Instructor/ Researcher & Literacy Expert from the University of Washington. Another visit before lunch concluded to the Union de L’Action Feminine (UAF, WAF)/SOS Crisis Center – at 425 Avenue Hassan II Apt 13, Diour Jamaa Rabat Tel: +212537700964.  The guest speakers Nouzha Alaoui, UAF and Touria el Asri, UAF were briefing the group how the SOS Crisis Center addresses the support for women in Crisis.  .  Most of the delegates were astonished of the pictures and stories that were told about domestic violence and abuse cases.  

After lunch the group met with Women in Technology (WIT) to address the role of technology skills training and professional networking training in empowerment of women. The Moroccan presenters were Widad El Hanafi, WIT Program manager, Najia Fath, WIT participant in the “Networking; Voluntary project”, Jamila Aoussar, WIT participant, “My Blog and the family code”, and Khira Arab, WIT participant, “my story with Blogging, Sharing and training”.  They presented about the tools used in training women on technology and keeping up with their education to be competitive in the world outside their enviornment.  After their presentation, the CWD presenters, Autumn Lerner, Heather Hansen, and Srilashmi Remala shared their experiences and information about the best technological methods in communication utilized in the States.  Of course, questions and answers followed with comments from both sides.

The groups concluded the meeting with  Senator Lisa Brown presenting gifts to the Moroccon leaders and presenters from the Women and Democracy Center.  It is a way to thank them for hosting the meeting and to continue this relationship inthe future.   Both groups joined in a joint picture.

Here are some pictures of the group:

 

 

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Day ONE in Morocco- Nov. 8, 2009

Posted December 4, 2009 by lubnam
Categories: MOROCCO

1st day of delegations- Sunday 11/8/2009

After breakfast, the group departed the hotel at 10:00am in a morning city tour. It included Kasbah of Udayas, Mausoleum of Mohammed V.  Our tour guide, Saeed, gave us a brief about the Moroccan history.  (see pictures below) After the tour, we departed to lunch at “Le Tapis Rouge” restaurant where we had two lunch presenters; Siham Bojji , from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Naima Oumakki, from Associat Josour in Rabat.  Both presented to the group about women in Morocco and the economic situation, the implementation of new laws and policies, and women and hijab.  Naima talked about how she revealed the public opinions and community frustrations through her theatrical work and how she is working through different channels to fund plays that promote community needs. 

We went back to the hotel to get ready for our dinner brief, as we entered the hotel, I was thrilled to find “Hussien” – my beloved husband- waiting for me in the lobby.  He flew from Libya to meet me for 2 days in Morocco.  It was really good to see him and enjoy his company with the group of delegates.

Later that night, the group left to the “La Peniche” restaurant for dinner at (Av. Prince Heritier Sidi Mohammed Rive Droite du Bouregreg) Sale, Morocco, Tel 037-78-56-59/61.  At dinner we had a U.S. Embassy Brief by Ms Mary Jeffers, Public Affairs Officer, at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat.  Also we enjoyed a presentation by Milouda Hazeb, Former MP and Dupty Mayor in Marrakech. 

Miloluda’s presentation was very interesting and informative about the women’s role in the community and how it evolved to recieve higher support and participation.  she also talked about the training efforts of educating youth to engage them in leadership roles.  She also talked about the implementation of the mentoring concept, as one of the methods and tools utilized to narrow the gap between the older generations and the younger.  This was one of the biggest challenges that they are trying to overcome which is building a collaberative and a connected community. 

 After dinner we all took beautiful pictures to caputer all our joint efforts.  Afterwards, we left back to the hotel to rest and be ready for next day.

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Morocco Delegations 2009- The Center of Women & Democracy Center

Posted November 29, 2009 by lubnam
Categories: MOROCCO

The Center of Women and Democracy

International Delegation to Morocco, November 6 – 15, 2009

This year, the Center for Women and Democracy led the “International Delegation to Morocco”, November 6-15, 2009.  We traveled to Rabat and the ancient city of Fez to explore leadership challenges facing women in Morocco.  The Center brought a group of 38 women to Morocco consists of other women politicians, academics, attorneys, activists, and community leaders.  The group was led by Senator Lisa Brown, the Majority Leader in the Washington State Senate, and the first woman Democrat to hold the position. 

Why Morocco?

Morocco has been a leader in the fight for equality in Muslim countries.  It is considered one of the first Arab countries to elect women to more than 10% of its Parliament.  The Center’s goal was to establish connections, exchange ideas and learn about each other cultures through forums, site visits, workshops and briefings of the Moroccan Parliamentary, business and other women leaders, entrepreneurs and community activists.

The focus of the center included political empowerment, women in business, youth leadership issues related to civil rights and education, and visits to rural women at cooperatives outside of Fez.

Flying from Seattle to Paris November 6, 2009

Friday, was an exciting day. I left Seattle to participate in the international delegations in Morocco with the Center of Women and Democracy. The flight was long but I didn’t mind it knowing that later I will be roaming in Paris for 6 hours with other delegates.  We tentatively planned to visit downtown Paris and see the Eiffel Tower if possible.  I met Autumn Lerner at the airport where we took the train to down town Paris.  She seemed to know her way around, which was perfect coz that meant I don’t have to worry about getting lost- which I didn’t mind either.  Lost in Paris, yes that sounded cool 🙂 

As we walked toward the Eiffel tower, it became bigger and huge.  Although, I wasn’t that impressed as I thought I would be but it was spectacular.  I knew the limited time that I have won’t be enough to enjoy this historic piece.  Another planned visit was needed.  To enjoy and record the moment, I took pictures  of every angle of the tower that was within my view.   We walked around the area and went straight to view the art that was displayed in the streets.  It was cold but luckily wasn’t raining. You might think 6 hours is a long time but by the time we  walked around, it was time for us to head back to the airport to catch our next flight to Morocco.  It was a good quick taste of Paris  and could imagine coming back during the summer time and enjoy sitting outside in the hot sun  in a Parisian café.  Oh lah lah. 

We arrived at Casablanca at around 6pm.  A van was waiting for us to transfer us to Rabat. After an hour driving to Rabat, we dropped our luggage at the “Softel Diwan” Hotel, we joined the women delegates at “Dinarjat” restaurant for dinner and orientation.  This was the first introduction to the delicious Moroccan cuisine. 

Here are some pictures of Paris…

 
 
 
 

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Hello world!

Posted November 18, 2009 by lubnam
Categories: Uncategorized

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!

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