Co-op Financial Impact for Women

Continuing our recent theme of shopping, tipping and travelling safely in Morocco, today's episode features the Akhnif Glaoui Carpet Co-Operative, located just south of Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, about 150 miles south of Marrakech.

Azdean visited this wonderful, genuine boutique back in June of this year, during the summer trip to Morocco, while on the Southern Morocco tour. It was here where he met Sarah, host and guide of the facility, who gave Azdean and family a tour and showed them the incredible weaving and rugmaking that is done there, all by women.

This Women's Co-op is groundbreaking, and crucially important not just to the local economy, but to women's recognition and self-sufficiency. Instead of relying on others, typically men, to sell their detailed and complex creations, products of hours of hard work and labour (which are then often resold at even higher prices, for which the women don't see an extra dime) - at the co-op, each weaver has a say in the price and value of their rug, and when it's sold they get a very generous and appropriate percentage.

Imran and Azdean sat down with Sarah to learn about her story and what brought her back to Aït Benhaddou, now working to showcase the co-op and its efforts, as well as teaching the women some English!

Sarah explains the shopping experience there, which puts an emphasis on removing the stress and pressure to buy that you typically find elsewhere. At Akhnif Glaoui, you are free to browse, learn about rugs and carpets, and perhaps even order one later from back home, once you've made the correct measurements in your house.

It's a breath of fresh air when it comes to shopping in Morocco, which you'll appreciate after our last episode on Tipping in Morocco, and our November Live Q&A, which talked about safety and security, especially while shopping. It is refreshing to find a place that allows you to really appreciate the craft and work that goes into these unique, individual creations.

The Akhnif Glaoui has a bright future and we are pleased to support them and send our guests their way.

Speaking of which, we are offering 30% off any of our Destination Morocco tours when reserved by Cyber Monday, November 27. Your travel date can be any time in the next year, or even later!

Simply visit our website, destinationsmorocco.com, and mention the code "30% podcast" in the comments section when you request either one of our standard 8 or 9 day tours, or your own custom-built tour. 

We'll have many more special offers and exciting options coming up in the new year, including more themed tours, private itineraries and small group tours. So stay tuned to the podcast and our social media accounts!

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