Morocco’s socioeconomic challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis and inflation, leading to additional poverty and vulnerability for millions of Moroccans. According to a recent study by Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP), poverty and vulnerability have impacted an additional 3.2 million people in Morocco, of which 1.15 million suffer from poverty, while 2.05 million face vulnerability due to the crisis.
Disadvantaged communities struggle to access basic needs, fair labor opportunities, and education. In response, companies like My Little Maroc are working to empower local artisans and support sustainable economic development through fair trade practices.
Discovering the treasures of Moroccan
My Little Maroc was founded by Lina Kettani and Vanessa Salome, who were moved by the local artisans they met while visiting Marrakech in 2003. Their vision was to support these artisans by offering the world high-quality handmade Moroccan artisanal items at a reasonable price.
They believed in fostering long-term relationships with the artisans and creating a mutually beneficial relationship for all parties involved. By offering fair prices to their artisans, My Little Maroc aims to support their livelihoods and foster economic development in their communities.
The importance of fair trade for disadvantaged communities
Fairtrade initiatives are crucial for supporting the livelihoods of marginalized and disadvantaged communities in countries like Morocco. This business model promotes sustainable production practices by paying artisans fair prices and fosters social justice by supporting workers. This approach helps to generate a steady income for artisans, enabling them to maintain their economic stability and avoid falling into poverty or depression.
My Little Maroc collaborates mainly with female artisans, sourcing the highest quality materials and matching them with exceptional talent to produce rugs, poufs, pillowcases, baskets, and pottery, among other artisanal goods in a fair trade dimension. The brand’s ultimate goal is to expand its network of artisans and provide opportunities to enhance their quality of life.
“Our dream one day would be to open some schools where the artisans can teach their respective trade, and at the same time, they are offered a proper education as most [of the artisans] in the tribal villages are illiterate,” the founders said. By giving a voice to the voiceless and offering a chance to make a living, My Little Maroc supports the socioeconomic progression of disadvantaged communities.
My Little Maroc’s impact on Morocco’s socioeconomic progression
My Little Maroc’s fair trade practices are not only helping to preserve the centuries-old art of Moroccan rug weaving but are also bolstering the economic independence of local artisans and promoting social change in underprivileged neighborhoods. By offering handmade treasures with love and passion, the brand hopes to bring joy and happiness to clients’ homes while making a positive change in the lives of underprivileged Moroccans.
Consumers possess the power to make a positive impact on the lives of artisans and to promote ethical and sustainable practices in the global market. By doing so, they contribute to the socioeconomic progression of communities most in need.