Today started at 9:30 after having a delicious piece of shortbread, a croissant, and some Moroccan tea. We then got onto the bus and headed to our first event, where we met with ANDD. Their focus was on supporting women entrepreneurs through workshops, training, and community building. In that way, they were similar to a lot of the organizations we have already seen because they were trying to give entrepreneurs the tools, knowledge, and confidence to grow. They also used workshops and courses, which has been a common theme throughout the trip.
However, ANDD also felt different from some of the other places we have visited. Their workshops were smaller, with around 20 people, and they only ran about three each year. They were also an independent nonprofit organization, separate from the government. Because of that, they rely heavily on sponsors, volunteers, and the skills of their members to keep growing. That stood out to me because their work seemed very personal and community-based. Instead of focusing on large-scale incubation or tech startups, they were focused on giving women practical support and a network they could actually use.
After meeting them, we went to lunch, where I had a really good salad, some rice, and vegetables. But before that, one of our teachers got stuck in the bathroom with the latch shut and wouldn’t unlock. It took a repairman to take the lock out and use a magnet to remove the metal. After that debacle, we then went and met another branch of women entrepreneurs. These women were specifically artisans who used the program to gain a stronger social media presence and expand their influence. This was interesting because it connected traditional craft and modern entrepreneurship. Many of these women already had skills and products, but the program helped them learn how to reach more people and build a larger platform.
What all the women we met in the afternoon had in common was that they had to carve a path for themselves. They were entrepreneurs, but they were also leaders in their communities. They built something for themselves and then dropped a ladder down to help bring others up with them. That was probably the biggest takeaway for me. Their success was not just about making money or growing a business. It was also about opening doors for other women who may not have had the same opportunities.
Finally, we took the bus back and returned home. I had some tea with my host mom, and I planned to go explore the city with the time I had left. It is crazy to think that there are only two days left. I am ready to go home because I have definitely started to miss it, but I also know I am going to carry this experience with me. I cannot wait to see what the next two days bring as we wrap up this trip.