U.S. First Lady Jill Biden on Sunday visited the Ennakhil Association for Women and Children (AEFE) in Marrakech to learn more about its programs in terms of helping women and girls in difficult circumstances.
On her arrival at the Association’s headquarters, the First Lady of the United States of America was welcomed by AEFE President Zakia Mrini, U.S. Ambassador to Rabat Puneet Talwar and his wife Sattar Sarash, in addition to U.S. Consul General in Casablanca Lawrence Randolph.
Jill Biden then toured the various facilities of this structure, which has received funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
On this occasion, the First Lady of the United States was given explanations on the role and missions of this association, with a focus on the many activities organized by AEFE.
In a special address, Jill Biden welcomed the “longstanding partnership and friendship” with Morocco, saying that “under His Majesty King Mohammed the Sixth’s leadership, Morocco is encouraging reforms to empower women and youth, reflecting our shared priorities.”
The First Lady of the United States also said she was inspired by HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa’s efforts to raise awareness among children and young people of the importance of preserving the environment.
“I was inspired by her passion and I’m excited to take her story back to the United States, to look for more opportunities to learn from each other.”
At the same time, Jill Biden met with women who have benefited from the various vocational training programs provided by the Ennakhil Association, and visited an exhibition area featuring some of the products made by these women, including local produce, cosmetics and embroidery and sewing items.
On this occasion, the women presented Jill Biden with a traditional dress, before posing for a souvenir photo.
Founded in 1997, the Ennakhil Association is an NGO whose missions include defending women’s rights through a listening center dedicated to combating gender-based violence, and vocational training for women in vulnerable situations.
In 1998, it set up the first listening center for women victims of gender-based violence outside the Rabat and Casablanca regions. Since then, the Association has provided counseling to over 19,000 women and over 2,000 children who have been victims of violence.
It has also supported around 2,000 cases of victims of gender-based violence before the courts, in collaboration with a host of players, including the relevant authorities, the judicial system, health services and the media.
In September 2016, USAID Morocco allocated a budget of $500,000 to the Ennakhil Association through the Local Works Fund. This funding has enabled the Association to expand its work as an “Intermediary Support Organization” that mentors other civil society organizations, and collaborates effectively with government authorities on behalf of citizens.
Through this program, the Ennakhil Association has trained 30 partner civil society organizations in organizational and technical practices, as well as in the defense of citizens’ rights.
In July 2020, USAID Morocco granted the Association Ennakhil additional funding of over $320,000 as part of the fight against COVID-19, to address cases of gender-based violence in the Marrakech-Safi region.
Thanks to this funding, the Association has set up a solidarity restaurant and a training center for women victims of such violence. It has also developed an online platform to provide virtual support to these victims and their families.
Source: Agency Morocaine De Presse
