Yacout Info: What is the aim of the Association ?

Aouatif Berdai: Our aim is not to focus only on businesswomen, but we would like to integrate other women who are active in different fields. We are trying to sensitise people about the nature of our work, which basically deals with women and children’s rights and helping them in their future.

I am also the cofounder of an association that provides professional training to youth here in Marrakech. After the speech of HM King Mohammed on regionalisation, I think each national association should have a regional office that acts locally for a better national development of our country.

Established in 2000, AFEM is an initiative by Moroccan businesswomen to build an independent association that enables them to take a proactive role in the development of their country’s economy. AFEM is the largest women's professional association and the largest women business owners' organization in Morocco with over 350 members. AFEM provides resources and services through education, networking, and public advocacy to empower its members to achieve career success and financial security.

Q: How does your work help women to face the challenges of the employment market ?

A: Our work revolves around training and assisting women in shaping their future. Now we have more than 60 active members in the region of Marrakech. In Morocco women have made great strides in different fields and have the same rights as men. We are delighted that we are in a society that encourages women.

Q: How important is being part of the Mediterranean region to your efforts?

A: We are in the southern side of the Mediterranean and women here are very active not only as business leaders, but also as employees and civil society actors. Moroccan women are present in all domains.

Women also want to contribute to our country’s development. As a Mediterranean association, our aim is to profit from the Mediterranean will for positive change and to meet up with women from all countries of the region to develop partnerships and share concerns and experiences.

Q: You have been invited to Finland, what to you hope to achieve during this visit ?

A: I have been invited to a meeting with businesswomen in Finland in order to form a partnership and to see how we can work together on common ground. The Association of Businesswomen is very big and is recognised by different entities, like the National Federation of Companies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chamber of Commerce. The Scandinavian countries play an important role in the equality of women working in business and in Finland we are looking to strengthen working relations and exchange ideas in order to develop our role in business and society.

Q: Do you travel frequently as part of tour role?

A: I am a businesswoman here in Marrakech and I don’t travel a lot except when necessary especially if it has to do with social work.

Q: How is the Association developing in the Marrakech region?

A: We have a good presence here in Marrakech. We have been introduced to the municipality. There is the INDH which shows the royal will to develop this country. We are following up on this royal initiative and are determined to participate in it.

Q: Do you see the recent election of a Mayoress, Madam Fatima Zahra Mansouri as important for the work of the Association?

A: We are very proud to have a woman mayor in Marrakech. I think she has all the assets to do her work as required and that she is mastering her role. We are here to encourage her and cooperate with her.