In February 2025, the High Atlas Foundation conducted two IMAGINE Workshops, engaging 63 women in a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.. The first workshop took place in Marrakech, uniting women from the Talim Association and women's cooperatives from Al Haouz, while the second was held in Wizamren village, Aghbar commune.

The IMAGINE Workshop is a powerful program designed to help women recognize their inner strengths, challenge self-limiting beliefs, and create a clear vision for their future. Through interactive discussions, guided reflections, and practical exercises, participants develop self-confidence, self-love, and goal-setting skills. This experience not only inspires personal transformation but also fosters a sense of solidarity and collective empowerment among women, encouraging them to take charge of their lives and communities.

These workshops serve as a catalyst for change, enabling women to step into their full potential and embrace new opportunities with courage and determination.

Embracing the Growing Edge

Habiba, a determined woman in her 30s—both a mother and a business owner—embarked on a journey of self-discovery and growth through the Imagine workshop, eager to develop her skills and expand her small business. Though she successfully marketed her products online, she hesitated to step outside her comfort zone, fearing failure and rejection. During the IMAGINE Workshop, this became evident when she expressed reluctance to showcase her work at local markets, believing she wasn’t ready. To help her overcome this, we introduced the "Growing Edge" exercise, guiding her to challenge limiting beliefs such as “I’m not good enough” and reframe them into empowering thoughts like “Every entrepreneur starts somewhere, and I can learn and improve.” As a first step, she committed to participating in a local craft fair, an experience that not only boosted her confidence but also expanded her customer base and opened doors for collaboration. By embracing her Growing Edge, Wassima transformed her mindset, proving that each challenge she faced was an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Redefining Self-Care

Maryem, a divorced mother and cheerful woman, embarked on a transformative journey of self-growth and empowerment. Seeking new opportunities, she joined the Talim Association, where she learned how to sew, operate sewing machines, and even improve her reading and writing skills. Despite these achievements, when she arrived at the IMAGINE workshop, she carried with her a deeply ingrained mechanism of resistance. She firmly believed that prioritizing herself was a selfish act, saying, "Without a shadow of a doubt, putting myself first is selfish behavior. I can't think of my own needs before giving everything I can to those around me."

Throughout the IMAGINE workshop, Maryem engaged in thought-provoking discussions and self-reflective exercises that challenged this belief. As she listened to the experiences of other women and explored new perspectives, she began to realize that self-care and personal growth are not acts of selfishness but essential steps toward becoming a stronger, more fulfilled individual. By the end of the workshop, Maryam had a newfound understanding: prioritizing herself was not about neglecting others but about nurturing her own strength so she could give from a place of abundance. With this mindset shift, she felt more empowered to embrace new opportunities and continue growing—not just as a mother, but as a confident, independent woman and skilled artisan in sewing and caftan design.

Rediscovering Love and Trust

Khadija, a 40-year-old workshop participant, shared her painful experience with her sister, who had relied on her to take care of her children. However, once they grew up, both her sister and the children abandoned her. In a moment of deep vulnerability, she said, "I gave them all my life, but they left me. I can't trust anyone anymore; they will use me again." Through reflection, she realized that despite this betrayal, she was not alone. She still had her parents, who had supported her from the beginning, especially through her illness since childhood. She also recognized the unwavering support of her teacher, Fatima, who had always guided her and given her valuable advice. This realization helped her shift her perspective, seeing that trust and love still existed in her life, even if they came from unexpected sources.

Love and trust do not always manifest in grand gestures or traditional relationships; they often reside in the quiet acts of kindness, in the people who stand by us without expectation, and in the bonds we build through shared understanding. They are found in the mentor who believes in our potential, the friend who listens without judgment, or even the stranger who offers encouragement at just the right moment.

Through this newfound awareness, she learned that love and trust are not confined to a single relationship or role in life. They exist in many forms—sometimes subtle, sometimes profound—but always present for those who are willing to recognize them. This shift empowered her to embrace the support around her, allowing her to open her heart to the connections that had been there all along.

Finding Her Voice

Mahjouba, one of the IMAGINE workshop participants, shared how she once felt powerless and unable to express herself. Reflecting on her journey, she said, "Before joining the workshop, I felt powerless, unable to speak up, but the workshop helped me break free from my isolation." Through the IMAGINE Workshop, Mahjouba found a space where her voice mattered—a space that encouraged her to recognize her inner strength, confront her fears, and build the confidence to express herself freely. This transformation highlights how the workshop fosters self-empowerment, allowing women to reclaim their agency and step into their power with newfound courage.

Learning to Value Herself

Similarly, Aicha, an IMAGINE Workshop participant, opened up about her internal struggle with self-worth, saying, "I love myself, but I don’t value myself enough." Her words reflected a deep realization—one that many women face when navigating personal growth. The Imagine workshop provided her with the tools to shift her mindset, helping her see that self-care and self-worth go hand in hand. By exploring limiting beliefs and embracing self-acceptance, Aicha began to understand that valuing herself was not a luxury but a necessity. The workshop served as a reminder that personal well-being is a foundation for growth, enabling women to show up for themselves and others with greater strength and confidence.

The Imagine workshop has illuminated pathways to transformation for many women, proving that self-discovery, empowerment, and resilience are attainable for anyone willing to embark on the journey. From overcoming fears and redefining self-worth to embracing new opportunities, these stories demonstrate the profound impact of personal growth. The lessons learned—challenging self-doubt, seeking support, and embracing change—serve as powerful reminders that true empowerment begins within. As these women continue their journeys, their experiences will inspire others to step into their strength and create their own success stories.

*N.B.: The names of the women have been changed to protect their privacy and personal lives.