CAES Morocco: Advanced Leadership Theories, Ethics, and Culture

  In Morocco, I couldn't help but notice the persistence of certain gender roles, influencing the division of labor and societal dynamics. Take, for example, the common sight of women working in packing houses within the factories we visited. It was often said during the tours,  that women’s attention to detail makes them preferred for such tasks.  During my travels through Moroccan cities, I couldn't overlook the distinct gender dynamics evident in various social environments. In places like cafes, it was mostly men who were present . While during school tours, the majority of the students were female.  Despite these advancements in education, there's a striking disparity between the school population and the workforce. During the school visits, one of the tour guides explained that women often prioritize caregiving responsibilities, opting to stay at home and care for their children. This decision, they emphasized, is often influenced by traditional gender norms an...

       In the U.S., there is a very fluid attitude when it comes to the perception of the homeless population. Some people feel as if homeless people didn't work hard enough or were irresponsible in order to be in the situation they find themselves in. On the other hand, others feel compassion for people who have lost their livelihood for a multitude of reasons. Many times, you will see people on the road with signs asking for money or food, which many ignore and many give. With the current economic situation in the U.S., homelessness is more common and therefore people are more likely to be generous.      In Morocco, citizens who ask for shelter, food or money from other citizens are named as "beggars". Beggars in Morocco are those that have the lowest social status, where a lot of them were farmers who lived in rural areas that were forced out by aridity. Because of the disastrous  environmental factors, the majority of  farmers in Mo...

        When I went rug shopping in Fes recently, I became even more fascinated with these beautiful fabrics when the dealer, Ali, gave me information about their cultural importance. These carpets are more than simply floor coverings in Morocco; they are living relics, each with its own history. Made by women from many tribes, they stand for empowerment, tradition, and legacy. According to Ali, a sizeable percentage of rug sales revenue goes toward supporting the Moroccan women who made the rugs, which gives the rugs' exquisite craftsmanship an emotional touch. Moroccan-style carpets have characteristic high piles and a luscious softness. They are mostly made of wool. They are highly sought-after for both usefulness and ornament since, in contrast to their counterparts, they have patterns that are both tidy and soothing. Moroccan rugs have their roots in Northern Africa and the Sahara, where Berber women woven them around 622 AD. These rugs, which were handed down t...