On International Women’s Day, we are launching a project created by women to support and empower women.
In a small village in the High Atlas Mountains, Saida Lhoussine is quietly changing what it means to be a woman in her community.
Through determination and hard work, Saida created Saida Berber House, a small guesthouse where visitors can experience authentic Berber culture. Along the way, she began working with women in the village who weave traditional carpets using ancestral techniques.
But these women still have no dedicated place to work together.
This project aims to change that.
We want to build a women’s carpet workshop for Saida’s community — a safe space where women can gather, work, earn fair income, and continue their cultural traditions.
THE BACKGROUND
A couple of years ago I launched a GoFundMe to support Saida and her community after the earthquake that hit the High Atlas region.
In a short time, thanks to the generosity of many people, we raised enough money to help Saida rebuild her home and her business.
Today, Saida Berber House is active again, welcoming visitors and supporting the surrounding community.
Now we want to take the next step.
THE PROJECT
We are raising funds to build a small carpet workshop for women in Saida’s village.
This workshop will allow local women to:
- work together in a safe and welcoming space
- share knowledge and traditional weaving techniques
- earn fair income through their craft
- connect directly with visitors and buyers
Saida will manage the coordination of orders and sales, while the women artisans focus on their craft.
WHY THIS MATTERS
In many remote regions of Morocco, women rarely have opportunities to work outside their homes.
Despite their extraordinary weaving skills, many women remain economically dependent and socially isolated.
This is not emergency aid: it is a long-term investment in dignity, independence, and cultural continuity.
WHAT WE NEED
Saida has already taken the first step, having purchased the land in the village and prepared the building plans.
What she needs now is support to construct the workshop itself.
The estimated cost of the project is around €20,000. Every contribution helps turn this vision into reality.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every donation — small or large — helps create a space where women can work, support their families, and preserve their cultural traditions.
If you cannot donate, sharing this project already makes a big difference
Thank you for supporting this initiative and helping us celebrate International Women’s Day by investing in women’s work, independence, and cultural heritage.
Thank you so much!
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(tanmirt = thank you)
