An organization helps single Moroccan mothers rebuild their lives and regain respect.
Shaima is 18 years old and a single mother. Her own family says she is lost and her son is a 鈥渂astard.鈥�
鈥淚 have lost my value,鈥� the young woman says. 鈥淚鈥檓 worthless.鈥�
The problem runs deeper than a man鈥檚 unwillingness to take responsibility. With high unemployment rates, most men can鈥檛 afford to marry even if they wish to.
There is also a law in Morocco that designates unwed mothers as prostitutes鈥攁 lack of marriage certificate serving as 鈥減roof.鈥� As long as this is the case, men will be able to get away with shirking fatherhood.
Refusing to be shamed and asserting themselves takes courage. Aicha Ech Chenna鈥檚 organization helps Moroccan women rebuild their lives and regain respect within their communities.
The views expressed in this article are the author鈥檚 own and do not necessarily reflect 51吃瓜鈥檚 editorial policy.
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