From Cotonou: Southern Provinces Shine Internationally with Leadership in Women’s Empowerment and Development

The activities of the World Social Forum 2026, held in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, witnessed a distinguished Moroccan presence that highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements in protecting women’s rights. In this context, the Sahara Association and the Student Union in the Moroccan Southern Provinces organized a high-level international seminar dedicated to discussing the reality of women and their pivotal role in driving development, while presenting the advanced Moroccan model for promoting the status of women in the Moroccan Sahara.

International Dialogue and Inspiring Experiences for Female Empowerment

This international meeting, which saw a large attendance of human rights activists, civil society representatives, and youth leaders from around the world, constituted a strategic platform for constructive dialogue and exchange of expertise on current issues concerning African women. Discussions focused on ways to overcome the economic, social, and civil challenges that hinder women’s empowerment, highlighting the active role of women’s initiatives in achieving stability and sustainable development.

Participants had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the gains achieved by women in the Southern Provinces of the Kingdom of Morocco and the practical translation of the development dynamics in the region. Mechanisms for enhancing Sahrawi women’s participation in public affairs management, entrepreneurship, and NGO leadership were reviewed, alongside promising opportunities provided by major development projects to enhance the financial independence of creative women in the region.

The Sahrawi Woman: A Key Partner in Building Development

In press statements on the sidelines of this seminar, Hicham El Madraoui, head of the organizing delegation, confirmed that this initiative comes within the framework of an integrated vision aimed at making Moroccan participation in the World Social Forum a bridge to introduce the development model of the Southern Provinces and engage deeply with similar African experiences.

El Madraoui highlighted in his speech that “Moroccan women in the Southern Provinces are no longer mere beneficiaries of the fruits of development, but have become a key partner and an active player in shaping and directing its path,” emphasizing that the economic and social empowerment of women constitutes the true entry point and the fundamental pillar for building societies based on equity and social justice.

Promising Horizons for Cooperation and Joint Civil Action

The seminar concluded its work by formulating a shared vision emphasizing the necessity of continued dialogue and intensifying coordination between international civil organizations. This seminar is part of an intensive program outlined by Moroccan associations participating in the Cotonou forum, which includes bilateral meetings and workshops to strengthen partnerships with international civil society organizations.