The Misogynistic Mentality in Morocco

One of the most frustrating things about Morocco is the deep-rooted misogyny, especially in how men behave towards women. Growing up, I constantly felt suffocated by the “hchouma” culture, where everything a woman does is judged, yet men are allowed to act without shame. Harassment is a daily reality whether you’re walking down the street, sitting in a café, or simply existing, men will catcall, follow you, and make you feel unsafe. Dressing how you want is nearly impossible because the moment you do, you become a target. What’s even worse is that no one does anything about it; society normalizes this behavior while shaming women for speaking out. Moroccan men also have an unbearable need to interfere in people’s lives, always prying and gossiping as if they have any right to dictate how others live. A lot of them even sexually harass tourists, making our country look desperate and pathetic.

After experiencing the Western mentality where people mind their own business and let others live freely, I started hating the Moroccan mentality even more. In Western countries, you can just be yourself without fear, walk down the street without being followed, and live your life without constant judgment. No one feels entitled to control or comment on your choices. Meanwhile, in Morocco, you can’t even wear slim jeans and a fitted top without being called a “qahba” as if having a body is something to be ashamed of. Now that I have only a month left before going back, I can’t stop thinking about it. The idea of returning to a place where men feel entitled to harass women with no consequences is exhausting. These were some of the reasons I left Morocco in the first place, aside from education. But despite all of this, I’m returning, not because the mentality has changed, but because Morocco is still my home and a beautiful country with a strong and collective community. If only the way some men viewed and treated women could change, Moroccan women could finally live with the freedom and respect they deserve.