Morocco Vacation for Women Travelers
How to Travel Safely in Morocco Without Being Hassled
Jan 29, 2009
An increasing number of Moroccan women, mainly in cities, are no longer prepared to completely cover themselves after marriage. In some Moroccon resorts and major cities, such as Marrakesh, Essaouira and Agadir, it is common to see them dressed in western style suits, dresses and even jeans. But what you will not see is bare midriffs, low cut sweaters or shorts. However westernized they seem, modesty is still the rule of the day.
Explore Morocco
Away from the major cities it’s a different story. It is rare to see a woman who is not wearing traditional clothing. Many rural women are illiterate; they do not participate in even the most basic household decisions and, unlike some of their city sisters, they are entirely covered up. A man’s reputation demands that his wife conduct herself in a reserved, modest manner when in public. In small town medinas it is rare to see a woman who is not veiled.
Generally, women traveling in Morocco are safe and are treated with courtesy, but sometimes are regarded as fair game by some Moroccan men. This is partly because of the way they dress and partly a result of widespread westernised pornography, which gives a distorted view of western women’s availability).
Tips to make your Moroccon vacation safe and enjoyable
So what can you do to make your Moroccan holiday as peaceful and hassle-free as possible? :
- First, dress is most important. Wear tops that cover your upper arms and loose, longish skirts if possible.
- It is rare for tourists to do this, but when travelling in areas where there are few foreigners, wearing a light headscarf can influence the way you are treated. Such gestures show respect for their culture.
- Moroccan women almost never make eye contact with strange men. Do the same; it can save you from unwanted advances.
- Wearing a wedding ring suggests there’s a man somewhere in the background, ready to come to your rescue. If approached, say you are on your way to meet your husband.
- Try to appear confident. Ignore passes and refuse invitations politely but firmly. Confidence is a quality much admired in this culture.
- In cases of serious harassment don’t be afraid to raise your voice and call for help. Most Moroccans are decent, law-abiding people and will most definitely come to your aid. Yell “Shouma” (shame). It really works.
- Eating in cities where there are tourists is not a problem; there are usually plenty of restaurants. But in both rural areas and cities do not make the mistake of sitting in ‘men only’ cafes. In many cities women have their own cafes. Your hotel should be able to tell you where they are.
- If you need to ask the way it is best to approach a woman.
- Make friends with a Moroccan woman and ask her to show you around the local hammams (steam sauna for women only). They are welcoming towards women travellers.
- Brush up on your French, which is spoken almost everywhere. It really helps with communication.
Many hotels Hotels in Morocco are cheap. The currency is the riad. Above all, relax and enjoy! There are few incidents of western women having come to any real harm in Morocco. Be sensible, observe a few basic rules, and you will have a happy Moroccon holiday.
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