Women have been underestimated for their important contribution to producing and securing food, managing natural resources, and their ability to earn an income through these activities. Massive aid budgets from the major donors are allocated to expand Morocco’s programs to combat poverty, social exclusion and gender inequality; however, rural women are still poorly integrated in Moroccan society. Women’s social enterprise on the other hand, offers the possibility to restore dignity, socio-economic development, and empowerment. This session explores the role of rural women for social enterprise to optimize social economic conditions and how this contributes to the well being and health and sustainable natural resource management. Ultimately, this transits via the integration and recognition of traditional practices. Based on extensive ethnographic research conducted in isolated regions of Morocco, the author will discuss the tools that are available at community level.
