Decolonizing Women’s Rights: A case study of BATIK International’s French-Moroccan partnership

Abstract

In this article, the French NGO BATIK International in Morocco is analyzed as a case study of decolonial approaches to women’s rights advocacy, with particular attention to programs addressing violence against women. Set in the historical French–Moroccan postcolonial context, this article examines how the organization navigates power relations, incorporates local voices, promotes intersectionality, and mitigates neocolonial patterns. Using participant observation, internship experience, internal document analysis, and interviews as a basis, the study reflects revealing tensions between administrative control and local autonomy. Results suggest attempts towards culturally relevant partnerships and indicate that strengthening local leadership may help advance decolonial feminist practice in international partnerships.