Today, all of our lessons at CCCL had one thing in common. Women. I learned a lot about the history and the strength it took for women to overcome societal standards in Morocco. I listened as I was taught about the gender roles and the evolving role of women in society. Through our discussions on religion, politics, and women’s rights, I have started to better understand how deeply rooted traditional gender expectations are and how much effort it has taken for women to fight for greater equality and access to social spaces without judgment. What stood out to me most was learning about the progress made by the newer generation of women. More girls are attending school, female literacy rates are improving, and women have advocated for reforms related to abortion, education, and broader social rights. Seeing how women have had to actively push for these opportunities has made me appreciate how gradual but meaningful social change can be.

During my stay with my host family, I have mostly been surrounded by the women in the household, which made these lessons feel much more personal. The father introduced himself once and occasionally checks in, but most of my daily interactions are with his wife, who cooks, cares for the children, and also makes sure I am comfortable and taken care of. At first, I found this family dynamic unusual, but after today’s lessons, I better understand it within the context of traditional gender roles in Morocco. At the same time, I have also noticed signs of change with women compared to what we talked about today in class. Like going on nightly walks with my grandma and seeing women out at the beach enjoying the weather, surfing, and spending time socially in public spaces. These everyday moments, paired with what I have learned, have impacted me the most because they show how Morocco is balancing long-standing traditions with gradual progress for women.