Women in Morocco Defend Their Water Rights

In the arid landscapes of Morocco, far removed from the bustling capital of Rabat, a determined group of women is courageously standing against a law that threatens to strip them of their centuries-old rights to collectively manage water distribution. These women, adorned in traditional white haïks, gather every Friday in front of the town hall of Figuig, sitting along the ochre-colored walls as a symbol of their protest. For the past two years, they have been the driving force behind a grassroots movement known as Hirak al-Ma‘, which translates to "Water Movement" in Arabic. Their chants echo through the oasis: "The water of Figuig is not for sale!" and "No to privatization!" This collective effort underscores the significance of water as a vital resource for their community and highlights the ongoing struggle against commodification.

Among these resilient women is 66-year-old Fatima, who carries within her the memories of an oasis that the younger generation only knows through stories passed down by their elders. Her eyes sparkle with nostalgia as she reminisces about her childhood spent in the heart of the palm grove, where lush gardens and canals provided an abundance of water. "My childhood memories are inseparably linked to our gardens; we had beautiful basins and channels where we would swim. Our youth was marked by abundance and the soothing sounds of flowing water," she recalls, vividly painting a picture of a time when water was plentiful and life was vibrant.

This struggle is not just about water; it is about preserving a way of life and fighting for the rights of future generations to access this essential resource. The women's movement in Figuig represents a broader issue of environmental justice and the need to protect local resources from exploitation and privatization. As they gather weekly, their presence serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community solidarity and the enduring spirit of those who refuse to let their rights be taken away.

As reported by africa-live.de.