Who is aicha chenna

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Ottoman Empire. Geography and landscapes. Protection of Natural environments. Water issues. Unmarried and pregnant — in Morocco this is still considered scandalous, and in extreme cases is even punished with imprisonment. Extramarital sex is also a crime in Morocco and a reason for social ostracism, especially of women. The fact that they have been branded "h'shuma," a disgrace for their family and society, is something many unmarried mothers in Morocco have taken to heart.

For a long time, it therefore simply went without saying that any children born out of wedlock would be given up for adoption directly after birth, whether or not it was what the young mother wanted. When Aicha Chenna worked in the Ministry of Social Affairs in the eighties, she encountered such tragic stories on a daily basis, until one day she couldn't take it anymore.

She was about to sign the adoption papers, and took the baby away from her breast to do so. The little one screamed and cried. That was the moment when it clicked for me. I had just had a baby myself and had recently returned from maternity leave. That night, I couldn't sleep. The story kept going around and around in my head. The trained nurse and social worker pondered ways she could help unmarried women keep their children. It was clear that they would have to earn their own keep, because there was and still is no social assistance available in Morocco.

Since most of the unmarried mothers were housekeepers and had worked in households since childhood, one obvious idea was to open a simple restaurant or canteen.

Press enter to see results or esc to cancel. Search for:. Podcast 2. This book has affected the Moroccan public opinion. Her courage and actions in favor of defending human rights have been awarded, internationally, several times. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible.