Tata woman becomes youngest council leader in Morocco

2009-06-29

Fatima Boujenah of the PAM became the youngest local council leader in Morocco, at just 21 years of age. Moroccans hope the unconventional appointment is evidence of broader political change.

By Siham Ali for Magharebia in Casablanca – 29/06/09

[Siham Ali] Fatima Boujenah, the youngest local council leader in Morocco wants to improve life in her community.

For residents of the southern Moroccan commune of Tata, the recent municipal elections proved to be truly groundbreaking. Fatima Boujenah, a 21-year-old baccalaureate holder, became the youngest leader of a local council in the entire kingdom. The fact that this young woman was elected in a rural area has come as a surprise to many.

Sociologist Jamila Mourabiti said the news shows that Moroccan society is changing, especially in rural areas that tend to be conservative. "In general, it is men who get involved in politics in rural areas," she said. "It is rare for a woman to enter the political arena there; the example set by Boujenah is a good starting-point."

The new council leader and member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) previously showed initiative in civil society groups like Jeunes de Tagnart (Youth of Tagnart), where she served as president. Sources within the PAM said she has built a reputation as a courageous and ambitious young lady.

Boujenah was born into a family of modest means, with a father who works in a café in Casablanca. She always dreamed of playing an important role in changing the daily lives of the people around her.

The newly-elected official told the press that she sought involvement in local affairs out of love for the people in her community, especially the women. She also said that she decided to stand for election at the request of residents of her commune, who showed confidence in the "educated country girl capable of doing something for the good of the people in this mountainous area".

"Being elected leader of the local council and working alongside men was something completely out of the ordinary," she said. "I didn't think I'd become the council leader. That happened thanks to the support of my family and the people who live in my village."

She now hopes to run local affairs with the help of a group of experienced councillors.

The election of another young woman representing the PAM – 33-year-old Fatima Ezzehra Mansouri – as the leader of Marrakech City Council has also been the subject of much discussion. The PAM press office said that the party decided to put its faith in young people to breathe new life into the running of local affairs.

Saaddine El Othmani, National Council President of the Justice and Development Party, stressed the importance of encouraging young people: "At the beginning of their lives, young people have more faith in ideals and principles. They have the courage to serve their country, while others think of their own personal interests."

Mohamed Kanzidi, a professor of political science, said that the fact that young people have gained positions of national authority is a step forward that could help restore their faith in politics, provided that parties give them the professional support and training they need.

Some members of the public see this as a turning point in Moroccan history, while others say it will be difficult for young council leaders to run local affairs due to their inexperience.

Samira Baadi, who works as a bank manager, said the appointment of young people to decision-making posts has delighted voters and non-voters alike, as it is evidence that change is happening.

Student Karim Gartili sees things differently. He said that young people, especially those under thirty, would find it difficult to establish themselves, even if they hold positions of authority, when they are surrounded by older councillors who seek to serve their own interests.