Ok, if the men in Morocco are that bad, which is better?

Question

I.e If they harass us whats the best way to deal with the situation, where i come from if a fella groped me in the street etc etc I would initially turn around and tell him to stop as I dont like that if he carried on Id simply punch his lights out - Im from Liverpool! Its just not done!

Any tips? Please dont anyone comment with things like "dont go etc etc as weve booked already now!" Just helpful comments please!

Answer 1

At first glance, Moroccan women up here to enjoy the same equality as what other women do in English speaking countries. Women hold high positions in the government as well as in the private sector. Women’s magazines can be seen in the newsstands talking about liberal ideas such as quality premarital sex and even abortion. Make no mistake, when visiting Morocco one finds a completely different picture.

There is no doubt that for women traveling and Morocco, it can be quite a different experience than traveling in Europe. The roles of the sexes are more defined then in the West. In villages and small towns women still wear veils and the streets are the man’s domain and the house is the woman’s. Moroccan men expect to marry a virgin and smoking a cigarette or drinking in a bar is taboo-perceive to be only done by hookers and prostitutes.

It is to be said however that in the city’s especially Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, and even Marrakech the youth movement is gradually changing and nowadays it is much more common to find women on the street and in cafes without wearing a veil. You will see young people hanging out together although premarital sex is kept to a minimum.

Sexual Harassment

Each woman who visits Morocco has a different experience with sexual harassment. Some find it plentiful throughout the country while others experienced little or none at all. For most women, Morocco compares favorably to countries such as Spain and other parts of southern Europe, but made no doubt, the restaurant of chorused here is much more persistent than in northern Europe or other speaking countries.

Arrest men, including sexual harassment should never be tolerated. Some men will try to talk to you while others will come out and directly ask for sex. This stems from the misunderstanding of western culture and the sexual attitudes that people have in those countries.

The same strategies that you would use for getting rid of unwanted attention at home should be used here, for no Moroccan woman would tolerate the unwanted comments and catcalls that Moroccan men are noted for doing to tourists. Do not look man directly in the eye, and when it all possible trouble with a male companion and when in conversation refer to him at your husband. It is also a good idea not to smoke in public, as some men still interpret this as a solicitation for sex.

How you dress is an other way to reduce harassment. Wearing “modest” clothing ( long sleeve shirts and long skirts) will give the impression that you are to be respected as a woman. To go a step further, you may want to wear a head scarf to give this impression even more. However, you will notice more and more Moroccan women today shunning the traditional dress and do not suffer a significant increase in sexual harassment.

You should avoid physical contact with Moroccan man, even in a manner in which seems to be friendly and innocent. This can be construed as being an invitation for sex. If the Moroccan man touches you, you should not hesitate to make a scene. Shouting “Shooma!” (Shame on you!), will more than likely result in someone helping you.

Many men consider women second class citizens though educated Muslim women will point out this is a misinterpretation of Islam. Although there is a distinct separation between men and women in most of Morocco, times are slowly changing and women are starting to receive the respect and equality that is seen in other countries. It should be pointed out that the religion of Islam does not condone in any way sexual harassment nor do any respectable Moroccans. Being aware of what you will encounter will help you and the threat of sexual harassment will seem less intimidating.

Change

In October, 2003 King Mohammed VI Gave historic speech that called for a radical change his position of women, in particular in marriage, divorce, and the family. Ratified by parliament and 2004, Morocco gave women equal rights to women in almost all aspects of the law. This is made Moroccan women than most liberated in the Arab world. Women were given better rights in divorce settlements, including claim to the family home=to that of the man . Men are no longer considered “ head of the household “ but today marriage is now viewed as a contract between the equal partners between man and woman and a woman is no longer required by law to obey her husband.

The minimum age for a woman to become married was raised from the fifteen to eighteen years old ( equal to that of a man) . Upon reaching the age of eighteen and a woman can now married whom she chooses without needing the permission of her father.

These changes have been the culmination of women’s rights groups and the feminine press working to liberate women and Morocco. Today’s Moroccan woman represents the future of the country’s economic and social development and holds the key to political stability in the country. Although few women in cities and a majority of women enrolled areas are still uneducated the Moroccan government of today has helped to improve women’s rights, education, and way of life across the country so that the women of Morocco can realize the potential of their new rights.

Answer 2

I can't believe some of the stuff people are putting here about Morocco. I went there with my wife and several other young couples. Some people obviously have no respect for other peoples cultures. You will have learned, by now, that women will be required to dress sensibly, you don't have to go around dressed in black from top to toe. A firm 'No' , without smiling, will get the message across that you are unhappy with the situation and that's all that is required. The Moroccan men are helpful and polite. All westerners are hassled, male and female, we are a lot more wealthy than the average Moroccan in the Souk and they will try their hardest to get your business - haggling is expected. If you feel overcome from all the attention, just walk away. There are a lot of beggars and some tourists I saw were very upset by them, however it is in the Islamic religion that the giving of alms is very important, two shiny coins, worth no more than 2p was all it took to put a beautiful smile on these poor peoples faces, only those who genuinely need to beg do, but they're nothing to be afraid of. My wife went shopping on her own and while I was struck with a bout of dodgy tummy( a result of home made ice cream in our 4 star hotel - anything water based - don't bother - except the iced tea, it's beautiful and the water has been boiled), she even went out for a meal in the evening on her own, in the dark - ok the restaurant was only 500 yards up the road from the hotel, but nobody hassled her, she felt safe, enjoyed a wonderful value for money superb meal with excellent service and the managers made sure she had everything she needed. They even walked her across the road after her meal, the locals driving skills leave plenty to be desired!She also walked into town during the day to visit a pharmacy to get drugs for my illness and found everybody eager to help. That's all it takes, a little understanding of other cultures, some people just don't try hard enough and end up not understanding the local culture and come away with negative impressions. I'm sure you'll enjoy your holiday, I know we intend to return once we can raise a few shekels ourselves. Have a great time and don't mind the begrudgers!!!

Answer 3

My friend is marrying. She has her certificate of no impediment. She returned tuesday! She now has her CRBC (police check) Yes you could possibly do it in the inbetween days in Morocco but in my experience you either have to wait a long time only to be told to return the next day, or the person you need to see is not there. You can make a provisional appointment and hope they keep to that day. Its because Morocco is so laid back and truly everything is inchallah. My friend will return for 3 weeks in order to ensure all papers are completed. She has the added problem that her husband to be lives in Marrakech, works all week but has to go to Rabat to the Embassy it cannot be done at the consulate in Marrakech. Give yourself plenty of time in Morocco to sort things and get married if you can get the time from work. And you know that just because you are married it does not entitle your husband automatic access to the UK? this has happened to 2 of my colleagues - one of whom has waited 7 months and is still not over here yet. However, dont lose hope "if you want it you can get it" By the way, what type of work do you do? i may beable to give you direction to English speaking employers - email me. Best wishes. In answer to Lyndsey G : just because you obtain a fiancee visa, doesnt aytomatically allow residency in the UK. A fiancee visa may or may not petmit entry to the UK when he arrives, and most certainly - if one marries on a fiancee visa does not allow a person to stay longer than the said 6 months. However following marriage, when the husband hass returned to Morocco he may apply for a multiple entry visa while he is awaiting his spouse visa. He will still have to wait months or more to e allowed to stay yearly.

Answer 4

i agree with mikey. don't dress like some English women (and not only the English) do when they go out if you want people to respect you. Especially in a culture where this is not done. I'd say you will be fine. And with regard to that person from Brussels, why go to Morocco in the first place if you are going to ignore the people that live there. In that case i would just stay home

Answer 5

Make it dead clear you are unhappy with the situation, invoking lack of respect.
At 13 I had an old guy -who was selling the magazines at the hotel- walk around me and check out my TEETH before offering 500 white camels to my father for me.
I had a major go at him whil my father was trying to catch on to the fact that someone had actually had the cheek to say such a thing, while my mother was working out the inflation rate since whe was only worth 50 twenty years before... ;P

Answer 6

i have been there and its not that bad, however sensible clothing is a must, dont go out on your own, and hire a local guide from the hotel where you are staying.

A firm no thanks worked for me when dealing with harassment, the poverty there is awful so you cant blame them for trying to make a living.

i went to Tangiers and the only things that drove me mad were not being able to just walk into a shop and look as it was taken for granted that i would buy something, and the fact that my wife bought everything in sight as it is so cheap - i had to carry it

Answer 7

I live in Brussels and there is a high Moroccan community. For most of the cases try to ignore them. When it is impossible very firmly tell them to get lost because you don't waste your time with (add insult). Only use this in case there are other people around you.

Answer 8

Just go with positive feelings if you go with expectations of bad things happening with the locals then it will spoil your holiday.Most Muslims are respectful.And i know what you scousers are like so don't punch any ones lights out.Have a great trip..

Answer 9

I love morocco, and have never had a problem. If you go dressed showing your body, you will be taunted, but not in a good way. They do this to treat trashy women the way they deserve. try to be conservative, remember that this is a muslim country.

Answer 10

Its not that bad - but dont invite it by wearing tight clothes showing off your *** and b00bs... you would get groped anywhere if you wear clothes like that ... I know .. I have groped chicks in the London tubes hehe