INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP DELEGATIONS

International Delegation to Morocco

November 6-15th 2009

Click here to connect with the women of Morocco

In November, the Center for Women & Democracy's 38 delegates traveled to the Moroccan capital of Rabat and the ancient imperial city of Fez to explore issues and leadership challenges facing women in Morocco.

Morocco has been a leader in the fight for women's equality in Muslim countries. It is one of the first Arab countries to elect women to more than 10% of its Parliament- and its women leaders are now exerting major influence in changing the country's "Family Law" which restricts women in matters of land ownership and child custody.

Our goal was to establish connections, exchange ideas and learn from one another's cultures through forums, site visits, briefings and enjoying the company of the Moroccan Parliamentary, business, and other women leaders, entrepreneurs, and community activists.

Our focus included political empowerment, women in business, youth leadership, issues related to civil rights and education, and site visits with rural women at cooperatives outside of Fez.

Our leader for the Moroccan delegation was Senator Lisa Brown, the Majority Leader in the Washington State Senate, the first woman Democrat to hold the position. She represents the Spokane-based third district and is also an Associate Professor in the Master's of Organization leadership program at Gonzaga University. Some of her most important legislative accomplishments as Senate Majority Leader include championing legislation to increase health care coverage for children and low-income adults, to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and to create domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. She was recognized by Fuse with a "Sizzle" award in 2008 for "being a progressive rock star as the Senate Majority Leader."

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If you are interested in participating in an upcoming Center delegation please contact us.