Today I’m in the Atlas Mountains on holiday in Morocco. As we drive through the incredible three valleys, all I can see is an endless mixture of desert pink, green trees and blue skies.
As we meander through the valleys we make a stop to visit a women’s cooperative - a place of safety where women in Morocco can go after divorce and the death of their husband to make argan oil to earn a living. I’m amazed at the simple set up and the 8 hours of hard work that go into producing one litre of oil.
Next we stop at a local weekly market. It’s in a valley and it’s full of spices, clothing, food, dentists and hairdressers. As much as I am taken back by the smells and sounds, I realise I am the only woman in the market. We’re with a local guide who tells me coming to the market is a job that belongs to the husband. He makes a joke about the importance of communication in a marriage because the shop has to last the family a week so it’s important the husband listens to his wife.
As we drive around through village after village I see men gathered in cafes and at street corners chatting over a pot of fresh mint tea. Women are nowhere to be seen.
Back in the UK today is the deadline for large UK companies to disclose their gender pay gap figures. Despite huge progress still being needed in some industries like insurance, I’m thankful for the opportunities I have. The women in Morocco face daily barriers - not least there’s currently only a draft bill for sexual harassment going through the Moroccan parliament.
What are you thankful for today?
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