Safety for Women in Morocco
Morocco is an incredible country! But due to the many stories circulating online, some women are hesitant to make this trip.
One of the points many women consider is the fact that Morocco is a Muslim country. But let’s clarify, it’s a moderate Muslim country. This means that most Moroccans don’t interfere in other people’s lives and are quite liberal in terms of religious dogmas.
Another point of concern is the reputation of harassment by Moroccans. We know that harassment exists everywhere in the world, and this creates a feeling of vulnerability and insecurity.
With this in mind, we decided to prepare this blog especially for women who wish to visit Morocco but, for their own reasons, haven’t yet had the courage to venture…
Check it out:
POINTS TO CONSIDER
Both Moroccan men and women are very friendly. They like to help and are very hospitable. But Moroccan women do not greet unknown men with handshakes, much less with kisses.
As we said before, harassment is constant here. And for that reason, women should act just as they would in their own country if a stranger approached them and offered them something. Learn words like “non, merci” and “la, shukran,” which mean “no, thank you” in French and Arabic. Use these words whenever someone bothers you or tries to follow you down the street.
Another tip is always to ask women for help and directions. Avoid starting conversations with men when you are alone, as this can lead to misint erpretations.
HOW TO DRESS IN MOROCCO
When it comes to clothing, try not to show body parts. You can show your hair and not wear a scarf, but do not show your legs or belly, and do not wear blouses that are open in the front or back. Basically, try to show as little skin as possible.
When you are in Marrakech, you will see some foreign women dressed as if they were on the beach in Portugal or Brazil. But culturally, this type of clothing is not well regarded, and within the Moroccan mentality, this type of clothing diminishes respect for the person wearing it.
Remember that, regardless of your belief or religion, it is important to respect sacred temples in Morocco. So, when visiting the few mosques that allow non-Muslims to enter, wear appropriate clothing and take off your shoes.
In summary, always wear comfortable clothes that make you feel good. Some clothing suggestions to pack:
- Jeans and long skirts. Leggings are also an option, as long as worn with a long t-shirt that covers the hips.
- Sneakers and flat shoes. You will walk a lot, and not all sidewalks are flat.
- Sneakers and flat shoes. You will walk a lot, and not all sidewalks are flat.
- Short-sleeved t-shirts. Avoid strappy tops, tube tops, and low-cut blouses.
- Long dresses or jumpsuits.
- Scarves and shawls. Carry one in your bag in case you feel uncomfortable in any situation or decide to visit a sacred temple.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
If you are invited to a Moroccan home and upon arriving realize that all women wear a headscarf, you should also wear a headscarf as a sign of respect.
In Moroccan culture, if a woman smiles at a man, it means she is romantically interested in him. Smiles and gazes have a very strong sexual and attractive meaning in Muslim countries.
Therefore, something simple for us, like smiling at someone, in Morocco can give another impression. This is when cultural shock can be strong. But in reality, these are just different ways people interact with each other.
Want to visit Morocco? Come!
And even if you arrive in Morocco alone, that doesn’t mean you have to experience it completely alone.
Take a private tour safely! This tour is exclusive for women who want to travel and get to know both the culture and the country!
Contact us, and we will be happy to answer your questions.