Women from a small coastal village create beautiful embroidery art that sells around the world. Margaux Derhy started the workshop during 2022 at Sidi R'bat near Agadir. The French Moroccan artist wanted to help local women earn money through creative work. Ten women receive monthly salaries above Morocco's minimum wage for their skilled embroidery. Hanane Ichbikili directs the creative team after switching from nursing school to textile art.
The embroiderers transform old family photographs into large silk and linen canvases. Each piece takes up to five months to complete using traditional needlework techniques. The team chooses thread colors and designs together before starting each project. Finished artworks cost up to 5,620 dollars and appear at exhibitions across Morocco, Paris and Brussels. Future shows are planned for Casablanca and Dubai galleries.
Local attitudes about working women have changed since the workshop opened. Some women initially hid their participation because families disapproved of the project. Khadija Ahuilat manages daily operations and feels proud about shifting community opinions. Older embroiderers like Aicha Jout teach traditional skills to younger participants. The workshop provides rare employment opportunities for women living far from major cities.
The embroiderers transform old family photographs into large silk and linen canvases. Each piece takes up to five months to complete using traditional needlework techniques. The team chooses thread colors and designs together before starting each project. Finished artworks cost up to 5,620 dollars and appear at exhibitions across Morocco, Paris and Brussels. Future shows are planned for Casablanca and Dubai galleries.
Local attitudes about working women have changed since the workshop opened. Some women initially hid their participation because families disapproved of the project. Khadija Ahuilat manages daily operations and feels proud about shifting community opinions. Older embroiderers like Aicha Jout teach traditional skills to younger participants. The workshop provides rare employment opportunities for women living far from major cities.
