Last week, members of women’s cooperatives from the earthquake-impacted Al Haouz province were invited to Tangiers by Polydesign Systems and the High Atlas Foundation for a study tour. These cooperatives represented the municipalities of Ghmat, Imlil, Ourika, Siti Fadama, Talat N’Yaaqoub, and Tameslouht.

The visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between cooperatives and the private sector, aiming to expand the horizons of the participants and inspire them through new experiences. The visit included productive meetings with the managing director and employees of Polydesign, a company specializing in design and manufacturing of automobile interiors, as well as a meaningful visit to the American Legation.

The primary goal of the trip was to support the women from the cooperatives on both personal and professional levels. They were given the opportunity to network with private sector leaders and closely observe how successful companies operate and thrive. The trip aimed to demonstrate that success in the business world is not limited by gender or large companies, but that cooperatives no matter their size can seize incredible opportunities.

From the moment we arrived in Tangier, the women were filled with excitement and curiosity. For many, it was the first time they had stepped outside their local environment, saw a new splendid and historic city of Morocco, and met with prominent female leaders. That moment, standing inside Polydesign, observing the large machinery and intricate designs, was a turning point. Some of the women spoke about seeing a new horizon for their cooperative work, realizing that improving quality and embracing new ideas is key to sustainable growth.

One of the participants particularly inspired me when she said: "I felt like I was taking a big step toward a better future for our cooperative. I saw how, with our collective effort, we can achieve what we see now in this great company. We are capable of this."

The interaction was not limited to the practical side but also carried a deep cultural, historical, and human dimension. During the meeting with the American Legation (TALIM), it was noted that the Consulate is the first U.S. diplomatic post, symbolizing the historic cultural and diplomatic relations between the United States and Morocco. It is a historic site located in the old city of Tangier.

There was an open dialogue about historical events as well as community outreach initiatives, and the HAF delegates learned about the TALIM literacy programs in Arabic for women living in Tangier. This conversation gave the women the feeling that they were not alone in their journey and that there is global support for women's empowerment.

By the end of the trip, the women expressed feelings of motivation and self-confidence. They gained numerous ideas on how to improve their work within the cooperatives, from enhancing quality to seeking new market partners. One participant remarked: "I now see endless possibilities for our cooperative. We, as women, are not only capable of leading our businesses but are empowered to drive lasting success and inspire future generations."

The visit provided them with an opportunity to envision the future from a new perspective, where they can aspire to greater achievements not only locally but also globally. This type of experience paves the way for more collaboration with companies and international partners and reinforces the status of rural women in Morocco as a rising economic force.

The visit was not just a business trip, it was a human experience that left a profound impact on the women, offering them opportunities to empower themselves and their cooperatives through the models of success they witnessed.

A heartfelt thanks to Polydesign Systems and the American Legation in Tangier for hosting us and their continued support.