On this International Day of Rural Women, we celebrate the millions of women whose contributions are the backbone of rural communities around the world.

The United Nations’ recognition of this day in 2007 highlights the essential role that rural women play in promoting sustainable development, improving food security, and supporting their families and communities.

Rural women are often the unsung heroines of development, juggling multiple responsibilities, from working the land to raising children, while preserving cultural heritage and the economic vitality of their regions. Despite numerous challenges, such as limited access to resources, education, and healthcare, they continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience, strength, and innovation.

In Morocco, rural women play a particularly vital role in agricultural production, handicrafts, and the preservation of traditional knowledge. Their contributions are essential to the socio-economic fabric of the country, especially in remote areas where their efforts are crucial in supporting families and sustaining local economies.

Cooperatives serve as a crucial tool for the empowerment of these women, offering them a platform for collective action and shared resources. By joining cooperatives, rural women can access financial services, benefit from technical training, and strengthen their bargaining power in the marketplace. These collaborative models foster a sense of community, allowing women to work together, share knowledge, and support each other, leading to greater economic independence and increased social cohesion.

The Office of Cooperation Development is firmly committed to promoting programs that strengthen the empowerment of Moroccan rural women through cooperative models, ensuring they have access to financial resources, training, and development opportunities. By fostering their leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, we can build stronger and more resilient communities across the kingdom.

This year, across Morocco, the 12 ODCO delegations celebrated this day by organizing numerous training and awareness sessions for cooperatives, honoring rural women throughout the country.

We believe that investing in rural women is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic approach for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. Through cooperative models and development initiatives, we aim to support their leadership, entrepreneurship, and collective efforts toward a better future.