Morocco - Emancipation requires thought
The Hassania Scout Association Morocco has created pilot projects aiming to increase women’s involvement in Moroccan social life. On May 26, 2006, the national Scouting day in Morocco, the role of females within the Movement was highlighted.
Although girls only represent 30% of the 10,000 members, they are very active. They organise meetings and chair debates on social issues and current events. In doing so, they emphasise women's contribution to the development of society. By reflecting and learning to be autonomous and to take on responsibilities within the Movement, Moroccan Girl Scouts are contributing to the emancipation of women in their country.
However, the presence of females in Scouting in Morocco remains low. "I am sorry that there are fewer girls than boys in the Movement, particularly because of parents’ reluctance to see their daughters taking part in excursions", says Iman, a young member of the Hassania Scout Association in Morocco. “Moreover, unless they come from a Scouting family, young women generally do not take on responsibilities in the Movement”, explains Samir, who is in charge of the Rabat district.
Mohamed Saad Kilito, head of the Hassania Scout Association in Morocco, explains that until the end of French colonial rule, Scouting was essentially a male occupation. It was only after independence that girls began to join Scouting, an educational movement that tries above all to give equal opportunities to girls and boys alike.
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