03/10/2024
In observation of International Women's Day, I was invited by Centre Culturel Marocain Dar Al maghrib à Montréal to speak at a panel alongside other Moroccan feminists, Osire Glacier and Fatima Tajini on the trajectories of change for Moroccan women in Morocco and in the diaspora.The panel was moderated by Rachida Azedouz. It was raining heavily, and yet, the center was bustling with life. The audience at the panel was truly intergenerational (which is a rarity as most cultural and intellectual gatherings tend to be segregated by age). This made for an enriching conversation about women's rights and the complex social, cultural and legal dimensions of gender inequality.
After the panel, we gathered in the lounge, which also functioned as a portraiture exhibit of iconic Moroccan women, from historical figures, such as Al-kahina, Kharboucha and Tin Hinan, to contemporary icons such as Nawal El Moutawakel, Fatima Mernissi and others. Their images and stories on the walls surrounded us as we talked and socialized over good Moroccan food and music. Some young people gathered around the musician and performed old Moroccan tunes they knew by heart. The sense of community was palpable, and the interactions were organic and effortless. Dar El maghrib succeeded in doing what most cultural centers only dream of doing: building a true intergenerational community. This is a testament to Houda Zemmouri, the director of Dar Al Maghrib, and all the staff who brought us together despite the heavy rains— which speaks volumes to the community's commitment to Dar El Maghrib and its important programing.
More pictures to share!
Centre Culturel Marocain Dar Al maghrib à Montréal
Houda Zemmouri
Dorothy Rhau Osire Glacier
