The past couple weeks have been productive and busy, which means I've got a lot of blogging to catch up on!
As you may know, yesterday was International Women's Day. To celebrate, I arranged a small Hefla (party) at my house in the afternoon. I spent the entire morning and afternoon leading up to the event in my kitchen baking away.
The women showed up around 3pm and were all very excited...I didn't tell them in advance why we were getting together, but they were excited as it was the first time for most of them to see my house. Party at the Tamarakanit's house! Exciting stuff!
As soon as everyone arrived, I asked them if they knew why we had gathered together and no one knew. I explained that today was Leid n Tiwtmin (Festival/Celebration of Women). I went on to explain that since 1975, women all of the world have been gathering together on March 8th to celebrate being a woman and women's rights. I explained that women and men are equal and that there is nothing a man can do that women can't do too and that slowly by slowly the developing world is changing it's ideas on gender roles and women's rights.
We then watched "You Can Dream: Stories of Moroccan Women Who Do", which was made by Peace Corps Volunteer, Courtney Healy and is about women's empowerment. While watching the film, we sipped sweet green tea and feasted on corn bread, apple cake and orange, raisin and date scones. The women enjoyed the film and the food.
Turns out corn bread was a major hit, which surprised me seeing as it was the least sweet of the baked treats. Rabha explained that it was their favorite because they work hard to process the corn harvest each year, but that the only thing they know how to make with it is cous cous (made from corn).
We had a small discussion about the film and the women all said it was a good film because it shows how Moroccan women can develop their own ideas and even if there are problems in achieving their goals, the women in the film didn't give up. I told them the same goes for them, if they think of something they want to do, they should never give up, even if problems arise along the way.
I then showed them this cartoon, which they all had a good laugh at. They said it was just like Toon Town, that the men all sit around in the cafes talking about their problems all day, while the women are at home taking care of business. :)
As you may know, yesterday was International Women's Day. To celebrate, I arranged a small Hefla (party) at my house in the afternoon. I spent the entire morning and afternoon leading up to the event in my kitchen baking away.
The women showed up around 3pm and were all very excited...I didn't tell them in advance why we were getting together, but they were excited as it was the first time for most of them to see my house. Party at the Tamarakanit's house! Exciting stuff!
As soon as everyone arrived, I asked them if they knew why we had gathered together and no one knew. I explained that today was Leid n Tiwtmin (Festival/Celebration of Women). I went on to explain that since 1975, women all of the world have been gathering together on March 8th to celebrate being a woman and women's rights. I explained that women and men are equal and that there is nothing a man can do that women can't do too and that slowly by slowly the developing world is changing it's ideas on gender roles and women's rights.
We then watched "You Can Dream: Stories of Moroccan Women Who Do", which was made by Peace Corps Volunteer, Courtney Healy and is about women's empowerment. While watching the film, we sipped sweet green tea and feasted on corn bread, apple cake and orange, raisin and date scones. The women enjoyed the film and the food.
Turns out corn bread was a major hit, which surprised me seeing as it was the least sweet of the baked treats. Rabha explained that it was their favorite because they work hard to process the corn harvest each year, but that the only thing they know how to make with it is cous cous (made from corn).
We had a small discussion about the film and the women all said it was a good film because it shows how Moroccan women can develop their own ideas and even if there are problems in achieving their goals, the women in the film didn't give up. I told them the same goes for them, if they think of something they want to do, they should never give up, even if problems arise along the way.
I then showed them this cartoon, which they all had a good laugh at. They said it was just like Toon Town, that the men all sit around in the cafes talking about their problems all day, while the women are at home taking care of business. :)
There were ten women in total, but by the time I got around to taking a picture a few had left. We ended the meeting by discussing news with the coop and eating a communal plate of rice, which Yemna brought with her. The rice dish is stodgy rice with a dash of salt and commonly served as a first course at large gatherings or as a snack.
More to come soon...
Miriam x
A great gathering Miriam - and hopefully they will now always remember 8th March and what it really means if change is to take place for women throughout the Near and Middle East. You're certainly doing a great job. Much love from Granddad xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great party Annemarie - you obviously learnt your cooking skills from your Nana and your Mum - well done.
ReplyDeleteLove Nana xxxxxxxxxxx
Annemarie, what an amazing women you have become during your time in Morocco. I am so very proud of you. I hope the women in your village know how fortunate they are that you were assigned there. Love, Nana
ReplyDeleteWell it certainly sounds like a successful event and one they will hopefully always remember you by. From the previous comments from Granddad, and both your Nana's you know how proud we are of the woman you have become. Love you so much,
ReplyDeleteMum
xoxoxo