RAJA KHAYRAT

Morocco- The Women’s Museum in Marrakesh highlights the creative spirit of Moroccan women and their cultural contributions around the world by providing a variety of thematic exhibitions. The museum opened its doors in September 2018 as North Africa's first museum of its kind preserving the culture of Moroccan women and their artistic achievements.  The museum closed its doors for two years due to Covid-19 pandemic. After two years, it opened its doors to visitors again.

 The museum is home to a variety of thematic exhibitions that highlight the creative spirit of Moroccan women and their cultural contributions around the world. From contemporary painters, activists, filmmakers, and poets to traditional craftswomen, textile weavers, and fashion designers, the museum highlights a wide scope of artistic achievement.

Siham Ait Warraq, the communications officer of the museum, says that the museum is a tribute to Moroccan women, mothers, workers, artists, academics and politicians who have left their mark on Moroccan society. “The museum allows female artists in various fields such as painting, sculpture, photography and poetry to express their creativity and highlight their talents. The museum has archives and documents about Moroccan women. The museum also displays ancient tools used by women to knit and weave,” she told NuJINHA.

 Visitors are informed about the history of Moroccan women

 People visiting the museum can watch a documentary film telling the biographies of important Moroccan women and their achievements in history. Speaking about the exhibitions held in the museum, Siham Ait Warraq said, “This year, the museum has held two exhibitions. The first exhibition is entitled “Pioneer Women”. We shot videos giving information about the lives of women and their achievements in the country's history. The second exhibition is a painting exhibition with the participation of painter Hafida Zizi.”

  A contemporary artist, Hafida Zizi highlights the customs and traditions of Moroccan women through her paintings. When she was 28 years old, she began to shed light on the lives of Moroccan women through her paintings. She held her first exhibition in 2001 in Imilchil, a small town in Midelt Province of central Morocco. Then, she participated in many local and international exhibitions.

In an interview with NuJINHA, she said that she tries to paint the portraits of women and models for women who love freedom and life. “Each of my paintings reflect women proving themselves and making their voices heard.” Talking about her participation in the exhibition held at the Women's Museum, she said, “I am always looking forward to exhibiting my paintings in the museum because it honors Moroccan women and artists.”

 Pointing out that she had previously displayed her paintings in the galleries of many other museums, but her participation in this museum was an experience that left a great impression on her, Hafida Zizi said, “I think this museum will remain distinguished because it was founded to highlight the creative spirit of Moroccan women and their cultural contributions around the world.”

The exhibition will last until 30th of October. Painter Hafida Zizi will hold workshops for women and children at the exhibition.