Home Institution

Scripps College

Publication Date

Spring 2012

Program Name

Morocco: Field Studies in Journalism and New Media

The Pitch

In Morocco, thousands of women cannot inherit land. These women, called Soulaliyates, live on communal land governed by tribal laws. When the land is sold, the proceeds go to the men who have been living on the land, but these men typically give none of the money from the sale to their female relatives, especially single women. Hundreds of Soulaliyate women, unable to make ends meet, have had no choice but to move into urban slums where they endure terrible conditions. Some women have even been forced to live with animals.

Rkia Bellot is one of the Soulaliyate women. In 2004, she had had enough and began protesting for her right to own land. Bellot began a movement, capturing international attention. Bellot won title to her land. But for many other women in rural communities—where illiteracy rates are over 80%—the fight is not over. I tell Bellot’s story and the story of Aziza Innouch, a Soulaliyate woman who is still fighting for her rights.

Disciplines

Communication | Journalism Studies

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