Sexual harassment in Moroccan streets, who is to blame?

Sexual harassment in Moroccan streets, who is to blame?


Sexual harassment has been a controversial issue in Morocco for a very long time and it still is. Different people have different opinions about the issue; some blame women for being too loose and others blame men for being unable to control and behave themselves.

As a Moroccan girl, I can very much relate to this issue as any other Moroccan girl. As I believe, every Moroccan girl/ woman is harassed every time she goes out regardless of her age, shape, color, ethnicity, background… and no matter what she wears, even if she puts on potato bags. Any girl who says the opposite is living in denial because that’s the reality we deal with every day.

Sexual harassment can vary through the constant gazes that checks every inch of the girl’s body from head to toe, the harassing words coming from every corner, the following -or as I’d prefer to call it “the tireless stalking”-, the insistence to get the girl to talk, then it can move too far to the undesired touching of her body.

Men would argue that it’s the women who give way to men to sexually harass them in the streets, especially when they aren’t wearing “decent clothes”. Many men feel that they have the right to harass a woman who is wearing revealing clothes and that this type of clothes is actually an open invitation for harassment. This type of women is labeled as loose and immoral, even if they are not. After all, what’s the fine line between decent and indecent clothes for women? As far as I have experienced, seen and heard, no matter what a woman wears, she’s still going to be harassed at some point in her usual day.

I also think that this whole issue of “indecent clothes” is just a very weak and “loose” excuse for men to carry on their horrendous habits. We are a Muslim country where almost every Muslim Moroccan prides everywhere about being a Muslim (of course, in words but rarely in practice) but still we find these horrible acts that are condemned by our religion. In Surat an-Nur, the Almighty Allah states: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. That is purer for them, verily Allah is All-Aware of what they do.” (24:30). Isn’t this a verse where the Almighty Allah asks men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty? Did He by any means in this verse or in any other verse state that, well if women aren’t dressing decent enough then you shall harass them? No, He didn’t. Muslim men take pride in being Muslim, but as long as they don’t abide by this and other verses, their pride amounts to bigotry.

No woman is immune from sexual harassment, not even women with the niqab. I once had a friend who was unveiled. Life took us in completely different directions but we met after few years and she was wearing the niqab. We engaged in different conversations that somehow led the issue of the sexual harassment in the street. Her statement about her personal experience was very striking to me that I never forget it. Here is what she said: “You know, I wasn’t always wearing the hijab. At first I was harassed every time I went out, sometimes it was awful and just too much to bear. Then I wore the hijab and thought now that I’m a bit covered and more modest in the way I dressed, harassment would stop or at least diminish, but it didn’t. Then, I felt all guilty about it and was wondering maybe it’s me, maybe I’m not well covered and maybe I’m still a source of “fitna” and I felt very bad about it. I decided to wear the full niqab, no more colors (very dark colors, mostly black), and no more clothes that shows the figure. I felt and still feel very good and at peace with my decision, but I would lie if I say that harassment stopped because it didn’t.I still get the harassing gazes and the harassing words about my eyes (though my face is covered). But at least, I feel that it’s not my fault.”

This conversation was an eye-opening experience for me. It was the first time that I engage in such a deep way about this topic with a friend who wears the niqab and it made me realize that we, girls/women, aren’t immune no matter what we wear.

I highly salute every Moroccan female who goes out and defies all these harassments as bravely as she can, for it has become a daily battle that we sometimes complain about but we mostly accept as an inevitable evil.

Nidal Chebbak is a first year doctoral student at Sidi Mohammed ben Abdellah University of Fez. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in English Studies in 2009 after completing a research paper on Advertising Moroccan Women in Moroccan Magazines, in addition to a Master’s degree in Cultural Studies: Cultures and Identities in Morocco from the University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdullah in Fez; her MA thesis was entitled European Women through the Eyes of Moroccan Travelers 1611-1919. Nidal is also the vice president of the Moroccan Association of Friends of English (MAFE). She served for a year as Morocco World News’ correspondent in Fez.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Morocco World News’ editorial policy

© Morocco World News. All Rights


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Why aren’t you married yet?

Why aren’t you married yet?

Sooner or later, someone pops the question “why aren’t you married” or “how come you haven’t found someone” or “why are you so picky?” Every time someone gets married, you get to hear; “Now it’s your turn”. It may not be these versions of the question. Instead, you may hear:“What’s a great girl/guy like you doing single?”I’m surprised no one has snapped you up yet!”Don’t take the question or the person seriously, as it’s not a sincere question but rather one designed to make you uncomfortableThese questions are often followed by creative problem solving, such as:“I should introduce you to my neighbor’s daughter’s boyfriend’s cousin, who just got off parole.”No matter which unwanted questions or solutions you hear, your reaction is likely to be the same: The awkward smile and you always invent a diplomatic answer.Unless you’re prepared to level the person and start a fight, evade the question, and offer a breezy, even goofy answer—it deflects the hostility and you come out looking cheerful and unfazed.“Dear Married or Otherwise Coupled Person,Thank you for your recent interest in my love life. I know that your curiosity is only an expression of your concern for my wellbeing and future happiness, and your input is appreciated.Since my solo operation continues to produce much contentment and even happiness, I am not compelled to expand it to a limited partnership. At this juncture, I believe that I am well positioned to fulfill my expectations of a meaningful life, and I do not wish to endanger that trend by incorporating with the wrong partner. Unfortunately, due to incredulous and dismissive feedback from my “supporters,” I have discontinued communications regarding my bullish outlook on singlehood. This positivity will remain part of my paradigm, though it will not be on display until test groups reveal a shift in acceptance of my long-term singleness.”But seriously folks, why is it a bad thing that someone hasn’t entered into a bad union? I will be the first to admit that there are more than a few singles over 30 who are “Never Beens” with good reason.And now I turn it to you, Gentle Readers. Is it a plus or negative when you meet someone who has Never Been married? Do you immediately assume they are broken or strange? Share your thoughts below. And if you don’t mind, can you be so kind as to indicate if you are a Never Been Married, Once Was Married, Repeat Offender, or Eternally Bound?morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco

Avoiding Culture Shock in Morocco

One of the many reasons we travel is to see new sights, try new foods and to learn about different ways of life. However, when visiting countries whose cultures are very different from your own or where you don’t speak the language, it´s not unusual to experience some degree of culture shock.

Culture shock affects different people in different ways. It may produce feelings of homesickness or anxiety about being scammed, cleanliness or some other issue that is inconsistent to what you’re used to. Culture shock is completely normal and experienced by even seasoned travelers, but the effects can be diminished with some advanced preparation, a little bit of empathy and a sense of humor.

Prepare before you go:

Learn as much as you can about Moroccan culture and customs before you depart. For example, if you’re interested in buying souvenirs in the souks, study up on your bargaining techniques. A rudimentary understanding of how Moroccans bargain for goods helps ensure you’ll get a better deal, avoid being scammed and understand that bargaining is a way to reach a mutually satisfactory price and socially interact with other members of the community.

Similarly, if you read about Moroccan rules of hospitality, you’ll be less surprised when a complete stranger invites you to his home after just a few minutes’ conversation. You’d know it was completely natural and polite to agree to some unspecified future date even if you have no intention of accepting the invitation.

Another way to prepare is to learn a few phrases in French, Arabic or Berber. Saying merci, shukran or sahit to express gratitude will go a long way in helping to break the ice with strangers.

Be empathic:

Some first-time visitors are taken aback at certain behaviors they witness in Morocco, for instance, wide-spread littering or cruelty toward animals. However, when you see Moroccans littering, remember that the Western disapproval of throwing trash on the ground comes from public education campaigns aimed at changing people’s behaviors coupled with sanitation budgets for trashcans and daily trash collection. This doesn´t mean that Moroccans are “dirty”—in fact you may be surprised at how clean even the most modest Moroccan home is kept. What it means is that there haven´t been concerted public and private sector efforts to change people’s attitudes about littering in the streets.

The same goes toward the visitor who is outraged at seeing children throw rocks at stray dogs. Because most Moroccans don’t keep pets and because rabies is a problem in many parts of the country, Moroccans are taught as children to fear animals.

Laugh it off:

Travel allows you to learn about new places, but you also learn about yourself. Remember that you’ll be coming back home with a treasure trove of stories and that you’ll soon laugh when recounting the tales of your mistakes and mishaps.

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Moroccan culture-“Lbaraka”

“Lbaraka” in Moroccan culture, good management or divine intervention



The concept of “lbaraka” (meaning blessing or prosperity) in Moroccan culture is a complex concept that may have more than one meaning. Apart from the established meaning communicated in most religious teachings, “lbaraka” is a magical power associated with some pious people that can be transmitted to their children and grandchildren naturally, or through a ritual practice like spitting in the son’s hand palm. It can be manifested in various forms: in daily meals, harvest, people, salaries, and any other human activity. “Lbaraka” can’t, I guess, be explained through a pattern of logical reasoning or by purely mathematical calculations. Therefore, it appears in certain situations, special contexts and undoubtedly for specific people.

I always have faith in science as a trustworthy tool to explain many natural, social, and cultural phenomena, but it is agreed that science, for the moment, fails in accounting for many metaphysical and spiritual occurrences. The concept of “lbaraka” is pervasive among Moroccans, who believe in its existence. They call upon God to endow them with “lbaraka,” and bless all their daily activities.

The idea of “lbaraka” can be demonstrated in objects, as it can be a human characteristic. An example of the power of this mysterious energy, which is characteristic to few people, is cherished by some doctors. Despite the same academic training doctors receive, some of them are believed to have great healing powers. “Idu fiha lbaraka” Moroccans say, meaning “his hands are blessed.” This is an expression widely used for doctors whose medical skills are extraordinary. They haven’t necessarily studied or practiced more than their peers, but it is generally accepted that their treatments and prescriptions are extremely successful in treating illnesses.

When I was appointed to teach English in Tazarine, a small village 332 miles south east of Marrakech, I learned the true meaning of “lbaraka.” I used to think that “lbaraka” is nothing but an invocation exchanged between people to show more courtesy and respect. Later though, thanks to the close connections I made among some of the villagers, I discovered that “lbaraka” is real. Personally, I perceive it as what remains as extra value after an accurate mathematical equation.

When I was in Tazarine, I had a good friend whose name is Ali. Even though he was older than me, his sound reputation among the villagers kept me attached to him. The first time he invited me to have lunch with his family, he served a small tagine that seemingly wouldn’t even satiate me, let alone feed all five of us (him, his father, two of his younger brothers and myself). For some inexplicable reason, we all ate to satisfaction, and food remained in the earthen-ware. Honestly, I could eat that amount of food usually all on my own, but when I went to eat at my friend’s house the same amount of food managed to suffice many of us.

Another real example is that of low paid workers who manage to lead very comfortable lives; they can build their own houses, and raise and educate their children with standards similar to those of well-to-do families. Culturally speaking, such people are said to have “lbaraka” in their lives. If you consider their limited income, you may find it hard to believe how they manage to live in relative comfort.

Some people may associate “lbaraka” with strategic management, but I believe that “lbaraka” is more than organization and management. It is something supernatural that we feel, but can’t measure. It is an element we don’t take into consideration in our plans, but it gives an unexpected advantage that helps us to successfully accomplish our tasks. For you, I say may almighty bestow you with “lbaraka,” and may it be on your side in whatever good things you do.


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Defending a Moroccan Cultural Factory

Defending a Moroccan Cultural Factory

The Casablanca art world has been up in arms since the Feb. 15 print edition of Al Ittihad announced that the city government planned to transform a popular cultural space into a parking lot.

Source: Nafas

The site of Casablanca's old slaughterhouses — known locally as "les abattoirs" or simply "l'batoir" — covers five hectares in the historically industrial neighborhood of Hay Mohammadi. Its buildings were designed by French architect Georges-Ernest Desmarest and completed in 1922. Abandoned 80 years later, the site became arallying point for local artists and architects with ideas for its reuse. They attracted support from King Mohammed VI and managed to register the slaughterhouses on Morocco's heritage list in 2003. Artist Georges Rousse started a project in one of the buildings later that year, and multidisciplinary cultural events soon appeared.

Source: Cinéma-Maroc

In 2008, Casablanca officials collaborated with officials from Amsterdam on a series ofworkshops dedicated to connections between industry and culture. Mayor Mohamed Sajid later authorized the architectural preservation society Casamémoire to manage the slaughterhouses with local artists, and they formed the Cultural Factory at the Slaughterhouses Association. Yet despite the Cultural Factory's status as a national heritage site and world-renowned center for the arts, it remains a piece of underfunded city property at risk of ruin and redevelopment. Casamémoire has been trying unsuccessfully to renew its lease, and when government officials began parking on the grounds last month it appeared to indicate a plan to reclaim the space.

Source: Telquel

The arts community mobilized rapidly via online and offline networks. Within 24 hours a petition campaign amassed 1,200 signatures and a "Save L'Batoir" page appeared on Facebook. Blogs and online forums were abuzz with indignation, and young designers created signs for the growing protest movement.


Source: Mehdi Ayache

Authorities eventually issued a statement explaining that the vehicles were there as a temporary measure to deal with overflow in their parking lots. City Council Vice President Ahmed Brija assured everyone that the 260 cars would eventually be removed, and they disappeared within the next two weeks.

A protest stencil reads, "The slaughterhouse is not a parking lot." Source: Zied Ben Cheikh

Supporters of the cultural space are nevertheless on edge, and an "Occupy L'Battoir" movement has emerged to keep the slaughterhouses dedicated to the arts. Despite the massive show of support, Aadel Essaadani — current president of the Cultural Factory — maintains that a longterm solution will require stronger political and financial commitment from the city government.

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WINTER SUN IN MARRAKECH AT LES CINQ DJELLABAS

WINTER SUN IN MARRAKECH AT LES CINQ DJELLABAS

Located on the outskirts of Marrakech at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the idyllic resort of Les Cinq Djellabas is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the medina to relax and unwind but close enough to spend an evening exploring the labyrinth of alleys, which make up the souk. Located in the Palmerarie area, the lush green landscape reaches a dramatic end where the soaring Atlas Mountains begin.

Les Cinq Djellabas offers 10 individual luxury eco lodges all surrounding a vast pool and manicured gardens the ideal spot to take in a spot of lunch and enjoy the late afternoon sun. As well as the incredible view of the snow topped Atlas Mountains, the lodges are set in a garden of palm, olive and banana trees.

The owner of Les Cinq Djellabas is that of Marrakech’s first and oldest restaurant – La Foundouk, a riad hidden deep in the souk, which offers the most exquisite traditional Moroccan cuisine in a rooftop setting, with views as far as the eye can see. Guests are met by a traditionally dressed Berber on theoutskirts of the souk and whisked through the covered walkways to an unassuming door, which opens into a spectacular atrium and spiral staircase to the roof.

‘Thierry Isnardon has lavished great attention to detail on his innovative design, which combines contemporary minimalism with traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. Accommodation is in ten comfortable African eco-Lodges, some ‘Suites’, the others ‘Deluxe Suites’, scattered around the tranquil grounds. The food is excellent and fresh, with a menu that combines Moroccan and international cuisine, and service is warm and committed.’ – The Hotel Guru

The hotel is extremely proud of its eco friendly credentials of which many of these features can be seen including a large part of the structure which was designed using recycled materials.

The hotel provides a variety of additional experiences that guests can book during their stay.  Everything is catered for from a romantic champagne dinner in a tent and hot air balloon rides to more action packed activities like racing through the dessert on dune buggies.

The rooms all come equipped with a king sized bed and shower as well as any other facilities you could wish for including TV and Wifi as well as heating and air conditioning.

plains of morocco

Fertile Plains, Mountains, Desert: the Landscape of Northern Morocco
..plain. Its agricultural heart is known as the Gharb plain. South of the Rabat-Fès line, between the Atlas and the Atlantic Ocean, are a series of high plains known collectively as the Moroccan Plateau. These include the Saïs Plain near Fès and Meknès, the Tadla Plain to the northeast of Marrakech, the Haouz Plain west of Marrakech, and the broad Chaouïa,...

Much of the northern half of Morocco, not including the disputed Western Sahara to the South, can be seen here, from fertile coastal plains, to steep mountains, to arid desert.

To the north, Morocco is bordered by and controls part of the Strait of Gibraltar, giving it power over the waterways in and out of the Mediterranean sea. Southern Spain and Portugal can be seen to the North.

The Rif mountains occupy the region bordering the Mediterranean from the North-west to the North-east. The land around them is fertile and green.

The Atlas Mountains, on the other hand, run down the backbone of the country, from the south west to the north east. Some of their peaks are capped with snow in this image.

Most of the population lives to the North of these mountains, particularly in the coastal areas. Sediments can be seen framing the coast; discharge is particularly heavy near Morocco’s capital city, Rabat, and its largest city and main port, Casablanca.

Moving away from the coast, across the Atlas Mountains, most of the south east portion of the country is in the Sahara Desert. As such it is, in general, sparsely populated and unproductive economically.

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