Moroccan female migration to the United Kingdom
Historically, Morocco has been a gateway for centuries and our geographical proximity to Europe makes it especially easier for us as Moroccans to seek better economical survival by immigrating to Europe and on mutual ground makes it easier, cheaper and more convenient for the European economy to favour Moroccan migration to help it build and develop its ongoing economy.
Although present from the start, Moroccan female migration has always taken 2nd stage when generally discussing Moroccan migration whether in a sociological, anthropological or indeed economical context.
It is only recently that scholars have begun to talk about Moroccan female migration and give it its due credit and recognition. As British-Moroccans we feel this is particularly prevalent to our migratory history where a great number of first settlers were in fact women who sought entry to better their lives and that of their families.
Moroccan women have in the last five decades or so taken a more prominent role within the migratory space that links Morocco and the rest of the world and in particular Europe.
In this British context, although here are no specific data or indeed research that would support our hypothesis, it is however accepted that women came in equal numbers as men in the early 60s to seek their fortunes and better their lives and that of their families.
Most of the early Moroccan migration to the UK came from the Northern part of Morocco, mainly Larache, Tangiers and Assilah. Armed solely with their courage and determination these women came with no specific knowledge of the UK, no language facility or indeed cultural awareness of what awaits; yet they managed to survive against all the odds, work, bring their families and produce successful generations.
The Moroccan community is now enjoying its fourth generation. In its adulthood, both the 2nd and 3rd generation enjoy amongst them a multitude of professions such as Doctors, scientists, accountants, solicitors and telecom engineers and in some cases prominent traders in the heart of the City of London making headlines in the British press.
Yet, it is hard to imagine that their grand-mothers are/were illiterate even in their own mother tongue and never had the opportunity to attend school and to date in so many cases remain unable to express themselves fully in English.
To commemorate and recognize their courage, dedication and outstanding achievements, the British Moroccan Women (BMW)will be participating in the forthcoming conference which is being jointly organised by the CCME and the UNIFEM.
We intend to show that given the right social, economical and indeed political climate women can achieve a great deal. As a homage to the women who came in the 60s we have a made a film.
It is a documentary that highlights the struggle Moroccan migrant women in Britain had to endure as they made Britain their second home. It also recounts their contribution to their host society while maintaining their Moroccan identity. The documentary we hope to be a balanced tale of a small community proud of itself and of its achievements.
Souad Talsi
December 2008
