Doha – The Bouabate-Fès Association held a special ceremony in Fes on Thursday to mark the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s ascension to the throne.
The event, coinciding with Morocco’s National Women’s Day on October 10, paid tribute to twelve exceptional Moroccan and international figures who have made significant contributions to their respective fields over the past decades.
This special edition of the “Fès-Gate” awards, held under the theme “Vision of a King,” recognized pioneers in various sectors for their role in Morocco’s development and international influence.
Among the honorees were Josefa Leonel Correa Sacko, the African Union commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment; Amina Benkhadra, director general of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM); and Bahija Simou, director of the Royal Archives.
Other recipients included Ahmed Boukous, rector of the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture (IRCAM); Hicham Zanati Serghini, director general of Tamwilcom; Abdelkarim Essoulami Rahal, CEO of Rahal Group; Ikram Bennani, university professor and presenter of religious programs; Mohamed Haitami, CEO of Maroc-Soir; and Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, executive president of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence of Morocco at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P).
The association also honored Naoual Ben Amar, director general of Label Vie; Ghizlane Benkirane, an engineer and promoter of Moroccan craftsmanship; and Aicha El Martah, founding director of the AG School group
In an interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni expressed her honor and pleasure in being recognized by the Bouabate-Fès Association.
“I feel especially honored because this recognition comes from the association, and we are also celebrating International Women’s Day on October 10 and the 25th anniversary of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision, may God bless him,” she said. “I am delighted to be here and to participate in this celebration honoring individuals who work tirelessly for our country, Morocco.”
Naoual Ben Amar, director general of Label Vie Group, told MWN, “I am honored and very pleased to receive this trophy from World Space. It represents recognition for the Moroccan woman I stand for and acknowledges the remarkable work done by this magnificent association.”
She emphasized the importance of opening doors for women in Morocco to help advance the country, noting progress in various sectors where women are beginning to achieve equality with men.
Ahmed Boukous, a member of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco and Rector of the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture, expressed his admiration for the efforts made by the Bouabate-Fès Association.
“I am absolutely admirative of the efforts that are made by the Bouabate-Fès Association, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Bennis and all her staff for the immense happiness she provides,” he told MWN.
Josefa Leonel Correa Sacko, the African Union commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, shared her gratitude for the recognition.
“I wanted to take the opportunity to thank the Bouabate-Fès Association for having honored me with the award for influential women working in the agricultural sector and in the environmental sector,” she told MWN. “This award is very important to me because it is my sister-women who have recognized the value of my work during these 8 years at the African Union.”
The Bouabate-Fès Association aims to contribute to the regional development of Fes by promoting women’s empowerment, fighting poverty, and combating discrimination against women.
The “Fès-Gate” awards serve as a recognition of exceptional talents, both women and men, who have contributed to the advancement of women and the development of Morocco.
Read also: Moroccan Women: A Journey of Empowerment and Ongoing Challenges
