Gender Roles - Alexis Ghaleb

    While studying abroad in Morocco, I’ve been paying attention to how identity shows up in everyday life, and one of the most noticeable things is how gender roles are deeply traditional. In almost every city we’ve visited, men are the ones filling cafes, sitting in chairs facing the streets like they’re part of the scenery. It’s rare to see women doing the same. In Moroccan society, men are generally seen as the providers, while women are expected to take care of the home and children. That separation plays out in very visible ways.

This divide is also present within Berber communities. While Berber women have historically played strong roles in their families and villages, modern systems have pushed their visibility aside.  I noticed that it was mostly men who spoke to us, while women stayed back. One local told me, “The men go out and the women stay home. That’s just how it is.” But it made me wonder, who decided it has to be that way? Why is a woman’s voice or presence seen as something to protect or limit?

According to Minority Rights Group International, although the Berber's have gained more recognition over the years, the women still face multiple layers of exclusion—not just from cultural erasure, but from gender-based expectations too. The report notes that “despite legal advancements, Beber women face persistent discrimination and limited access to education” (Minority Rights Group, 2023). That hit me. It’s not just about being a woman or being Beber—it’s about being both in a world that still doesn’t fully see or hear you.

Spending time in Morocco has made me reflect on how gender and identity are tied to power and visibility. Whether it’s women being expected to stay out of public space or Indigenous languages being left out of classrooms, there’s a pattern of silence. From a leadership perspective, the challenge is not just making space—it’s changing the expectations that keep people boxed in. A woman should not have to choose between tradition and opportunity. And cultural pride should not come with limits.

Minority Rights Group International. “Amazigh (Berbers).” Minority Rights Group, 2023, https://minorityrights.org/minorities/amazigh-berbers/. Accessed 22 May 2025.