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AFM

The Association of Moroccan Women (AFM), founded in 1977 in Brussels, is an organization dedicated to the empowerment and defense of the rights of Moroccan women in Belgium. Its origin is linked to a social and political context characterized by Moroccan immigration and the protest movements of the 1960s and 1970s. AFM has set several objectives: to encourage the autonomy and independence of Moroccan women through socio-cultural activities such as literacy and Arabic language courses, as well as theater groups; to advocate for the rights of foreigners and the interests of Moroccan immigrants in Belgium while denouncing the repressive regime in Morocco; and to support oppressed peoples, especially Arab populations and the Palestinian people. Founding members, such as Rachida El Idrissi El Yacoubi, Fatiha Laaraj, and Fatima Touzani, played a crucial role in establishing AFM. Their commitment was evident through active participation in various organizations like the National Union of Moroccan Students (UNEM) and the Moroccan Democratic Grouping (RDM). AFM maintains close ties with the RDM. Activists within AFM, such as Rachida El Idrissi and Fatiha Laaraj, often faced difficulties in these mixed organizations, particularly due to inconvenient meeting times and sexist attitudes from some activists. This marginalization motivated these women to create an autonomous structure specifically dedicated to women's issues. AFM has committed to providing educational and cultural services, including a homework school to assist young people with their studies, particularly in Dutch and English. It has also organized conferences and meetings to foster exchange and solidarity between community members and other Belgian social movements. Through its various initiatives, AFM has not only contributed to the emancipation of women but has also actively participated in defending the rights of immigrants and promoting international solidarity. Confronted with triple discrimination based on nationality, gender, and social class, these women came together to create a space for solidarity, mutual aid, and struggle to improve their social, economic, and legal status, both in Belgium and Morocco. AFM is a pioneering organization in the fight for the rights of Moroccan women in Belgium. Through its diverse initiatives, it has not only contributed to women's emancipation but has also actively participated in the defense of immigrants' rights and the promotion of international solidarity.