Women’s Day: Fes Gate Celebrates Moroccan Female Leaders

Marking International Women’s Day, the Bouabate Fes Association celebrated on March 11 Moroccan female leaders in recognition of their far-reaching role in driving in the North African country’s vital sectors.

Named the Fes Gate Trophy, the 12th annual ceremony of the Association of Bouabate Fes sought to pay tribute to all the Moroccan women whose inspirational leadership and exemplary devotion to social advancement has made a significant difference in many sectors.

During the opening ceremony, the President of the Association Leila Bennis said that the event aimed to celebrate all the women who have excelled in their respective fields, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts.

Leila Bennis, the President of the Association

The awarding ceremony was preceded by a standing ovation in tribute to all the honored women whose remarkable presence has been widely witnessed in different fields.

Some have managed to find a footing in industries traditionally dominated by men, while others have succeeded to lift their impact in competitive domains, having a meaningful impact in a range of sectors and setting an example for young Moroccan women.

CEO of Air Arabia Maroc Laila Mechbal said that the ceremony constituted an acknowledgment of Moroccan women’s endeavors to represent the country on the world stage.

“This is an occasion to say congratulations to all Moroccan women who work in Morocco –who are in business or at home. Everyone is doing their part of the job. And I think we can still do better and more,” she told Morocco World News.

Having pursued her studies in Morocco, Mechbal’s success story is highly celebrated throughout the country, with many hailing her perseverance and sacrifice to reach Air Arabia’s top positions.

As the winner of this year’s personality of the year award in the entrepreneurship category, CEO of the PoudrOx Industry Group Zakiya Sekkat said that the event served to honor Moroccan women by celebrating their contributions to the country’s development.

Expressing her heartfelt appreciation of the Fes Gate Association’s efforts to celebrate Moroccan women, the Fez-born businesswoman stressed that the city of Fez needs more competent and talented women to revive the city.

Gigi Kay, Director of the charitable hospital American Fondouk, also lauded the Gate Association’s dedication to social issues and female emancipation.

“This award is super important to me. I have worked for 10 years and we work with people in the most precarious conditions. And we work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with mules and donkeys,” Kay told Morocco World News.

Although mainly celebrating Women’s Day, Fes Gate Association also highlighted the high-impact efforts of some Moroccan men, highlighting their crucial role in the country’s development.

One of the honored men, Adil Lamnini, representative of the Professional Association of Moroccan Brands, spoke highly of the award’s recognition of national businesses’ efforts to promote the “Made in Morocco” label.

“The Moroccan brands need governance, support, and confidence from the Moroccan consumers,” he told Morocco World News, stressing the Moroccan brands’ need for more opening up on the international market and hence the Professional Association of Moroccan Brands was made for such purpose.

“The Made in Morocco” label made international headlines during the COVID-19 crisis thanks to the Ministry of Industry’s mobilization to promote local production of medical gear, notably face masks, hazmat suits, and hand sanitizers.

For twelve years now the Bouabate Fes Association has been active in empowering and celebrating Moroccan women, notably putting a spotlight on their remarkable achievements in various fields.

The 13 Annual Fes Gate is expected to take place in Dakar, Senegal.