Argan Oil Essay

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History Extended Essay Sahil Khoja Empowering Women though Liquid Gold Research Question: To what extent did the birth of the Argan Oil Sector in Morocco affect the role of women in Moroccan society? Word Count: 3671 Abstract The extended essay examines how the Argan Oil Cooperatives in Morocco positively altered the social, economic, and political status of women. It undertakes a historical investigation of the circumstances that the women lived in, specifically in underdeveloped areas of rural Morocco. The investigation deals with the relationship between the Argan Oil Cooperatives and the members (women) working for the cooperative to examine the question: To what extent did the birth of the Argan Oil Sector in Morocco affect the role of women in Moroccan society? To answer this question, the traditional role of Moroccan women, initiatives of Argan Oil Cooperatives, and the structure of these cooperatives will be examined. The Argan Oil Cooperatives empowered women with their ability to conduct business by employing traditional methods of processing Argan Oil made by Berber women. The significance of the cooperative becomes even more evident when men are found bringing their wives to cooperative, asking if their wives can be part of this culture. In addition to employment, Argan Oil Cooperatives gave board positions to these women, a responsibility that rural Moroccan women previously were not allowed to hold. An interview of a President of the cooperative and specific economic data will be used to show the culture shifts that the cooperatives created within a rural society. The conclusion reached is that the high esteem held by women in rural Morocco can be attributed to the success of the 150 cooperatives that span Southeast Morocco. These cooperatives have changed the private and public image of women while at the same time sustaining and

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