In the Marrakech-Safi region, a major initiative is underway to support 1,500 rural women in gaining greater financial independence. This ambitious effort is the result of a new partnership between Damane Cash, the Zakoura Foundation, GIZ WoMENA, and the Moroccan Foundation for Financial Education (FMEF).
Together, these organizations have launched the Nouara program, a multifaceted plan designed to give women practical tools to manage their finances and develop entrepreneurial skills. The program focuses on two main pillars: financial literacy and support for local entrepreneurship. Its overarching goal is to equip women with the knowledge to save money, manage household budgets, access modern payment systems, and, for some, to launch or expand their own businesses.
In practice, Nouara will offer hands-on training sessions, specially designed educational tools tailored to rural life, personalized coaching, and opportunities to connect with fellow participants. Out of the total, 200 women will receive intensive entrepreneurial guidance to help them build sustainable income-generating projects within their communities.
The program is led by the Zakoura Foundation, ensuring that the initiative stays rooted in the realities of rural life. Damane Cash contributes its financial inclusion expertise, particularly in digital payments. GIZ WoMENA offers technical support, with a strong focus on women’s empowerment. Meanwhile, FMEF is responsible for creating high-quality educational content that aligns with international standards while remaining culturally relevant in the Moroccan context.
Across rural Morocco, women often play a vital—yet underrecognized—role in sustaining household economies. Limited access to financial services and reliable information continues to hold many of them back. Nouara aims to shift that narrative by addressing those challenges directly, starting at the community level and focusing on real, actionable solutions.
All four partners share a common belief: empowering women through financial education and entrepreneurship isn’t just a matter of social justice—it’s a strategic investment in inclusive and sustainable growth.
