Fes – Several Moroccan and foreign women who distinguished themselves in their fields of work were honoured on Friday in Fes.
This ceremony, organised by the "Bouabate Fes" association to celebrate its 15th anniversary, coinciding with International Women's Day, was an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment and contribution of women in Moroccan society, and to honour those who have contributed to the promotion of the Kingdom's cultural heritage.
The ceremony was also marked by the official presentation of the book "15 Years of Honouring Exceptional Personalities", a work that traces the path and impact of women and men who have contributed to Morocco's development and international openness.
In a statement to the Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP), the president of the "Bouabate Fes" association, Leila Bennis, highlighted the significant evolution of the status of women in Moroccan society, who "have been able, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to hold positions of responsibility in various fields."
Ms. Bennis noted that "Moroccan women today play an important role in the country's development."
She continued that within this dynamic of recognition, "the book '15 Years of Honouring Exceptional Personalities' highlights the achievements and contributions of inspiring figures over the last fifteen years."
For her part, Guila Clara Kessous, UNESCO Ambassador for Peace, who was among the women honoured, emphasised the great symbolism of this recognition "which carries a powerful message."
She stated that "it is a great honour for me to be present in Fes at this ceremony to celebrate women and female leadership," stressing the symbolic importance of this recognition in a context where Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, seeks to prepare the new Family Code (Moudawana), which "constitutes an important stage in the recognition of women's rights."
She added that this moment is of particular importance, as it takes place in the city of Fes, which is home to the oldest university in the world founded by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri, which "embodies at the same time history, culture, and the leading role of women in society."
During this edition of the "Fes Gate" awards, a group of exceptional figures were honoured, including the Minister of Solidarity, Social Inclusion and the Family, Naima Ben Yahia, who won the award in the institutional category, and the Director General of AXA Insurance, Meryem Chami, who was honoured for her contribution to the economic and business sector.
The justice sector was represented by Ms. Benjelloun Khadija, head of a division at the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, who was honoured with the Justice Award. In the media category, Souad Mekkaoui, co-founder of the Maroc Diplomatique group, was honoured.
The Environment Award went to Laure d'Astorg, Director General of the Alliance for the Protection of the Environment. For her part, Naziha Belkeziz, Chairwoman and CEO of the Banque Centrale Populaire, received the "Outstanding Woman of the Year" award for her contributions to the financial sector.
Finally, a special jury prize was awarded to Nabil El Maaroufi, an expert in digital accessibility and computer engineer.
This event, which brought together personalities from diverse worlds (culture, institutions, economy), provided an opportunity to exchange views on the challenges and progress made in the field of women's rights in Morocco, as well as to highlight exceptional career paths.
The "Bouabate Fes" association, founded 15 years ago, continues its commitment to promoting women, fighting discrimination, and valuing national heritage through distinguished initiatives such as "Fes Gate".
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