In the heart of Salé’s historic medina, a heartfelt tribute brought together Moroccan women entrepreneurs this week, as the association Synergie-RSK Mobadara hosted a ceremony honoring women who have left their mark on the region’s economic and social landscape.
Held at the « Business Park – Kissariat Al Fadl, » a business hub tucked inside the old city walls, the event drew government officials, members of the diplomatic community and international cooperation partners. The gathering was organized in partnership with Salé’s National Initiative for Human Development office and the Walloon-Brussels cooperation agency APEFE, through the « Min Ajlek » program backed by Belgian development cooperation.
The timing was deliberate. The ceremony followed closely on Morocco’s National Women’s Day, marked on October 10, and World Rural Women’s Day, observed on October 15. Organizers said the dual timing was meant to honor both urban and rural women alike, recognizing their role in safeguarding traditional craftsmanship while building new income-generating ventures.
Seven women were singled out for recognition: Sabah Chraibi, founder and president of a federation promoting women’s economic advancement; Onil Apollo, president of the Diplomatic Club of Morocco; Salwa Ettajiri, director of social economy promotion; Aicha Rifai, director general of the Cooperation Development Office; Chaibia Bziouat Alaoui, president of the Moroccan Businesswomen’s Association; Aicha Douihi, president of the International Observatory for Peace, Democracy and Human Rights; and Samira Souhalhine, head of the social action division at the Salé prefecture.
Addressing the gathering, Rachida Bouzit El Mernissi, president of Synergie-RSK Mobadara, said community development draws its strength from women’s skills, vision and initiative. She described the tribute as a deliberate message to young women in Salé: that success and excellence in entrepreneurship are within their reach.
The venue itself reflects that mission. Based inside the ancient medina, the business hub works year-round with project holders, artisans, cooperatives and startups, with particular emphasis on women’s and youth economic inclusion as well as the digital transformation of traditional trades.
The ceremony adds to a string of recent initiatives across Morocco aimed at expanding women’s participation in entrepreneurship and the social economy, an area officials have identified as central to the kingdom’s broader development strategy.
