By Zineb Laadam
HAF Program Manager

At first glance, Mrs. Nezha Bazzi, and Ms. Hassna Bazzi look no different from any other rural women in Morocco. They live in a far-away area called Tourit in the Chichaoua Province and lead a relatively common country lifestyle looking after their households. But, that is what appears on the surface.

Unlike most of the rural people in Tourit, they are more independent and proactive in many ways. Above all, they enjoy a degree of financial independence and can support their families.

Their lives changed when a women’s cooperative was established in their area in 2021.

The cooperative produces, markets and sells a range of value-added products such as couscous – a national dish usually made of several crops including wheat, maize and barley.

Led by Mrs. Mnouch Okaddi, president of the cooperative, all women who work here have different stories to share but one common goal: to make a living for themselves and their families and create employment opportunities for other women in their community.

Now, the women of Tamounte Ntourite participate in the empowerment program and learn about life skills from July 1st to 4th.

The USAID Farmer-to-Farmer program implemented by the High Atlas Foundation in Morocco helps by organizing women’s empowerment workshops for these and other cooperative members, and will follow up with an expert-volunteer assignment in order to deliver training on marketing and organizational operations.