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

Ikram Douaou; Fatima-Zohra Iflahen

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v11i36.7815

Authors

Ikram Douaou Doctoral Student, Cadi Ayyad University, UCA, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Languages and Humanities Laboratory, Avenue Abdelkrim Khattabi, Marrakech, Morocco
Dr. Fatima-Zohra Iflahen Full Professor, Cadi Ayyad University, UCA, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Languages and Humanities Laboratory, Avenue Abdelkrim Khattabi, Marrakech, Morocco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v11i36.7815

Keywords:

Decolonial feminism, Violence againt women, International partnerships, Gender Equality

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.

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