The role of women
Interview with Halima and Hadijata, women from the Mardane Cooperative
Halima, 30 years old with six children, and Hadijata, 40 years old with five children, live in the village of Mardane. They are among the founders of the local cooperative, created in 2017 by "Les Puits du Désert" and the NGO Tidène. Along with a dozen other women from their village, they work there every day. We now give them the floor (their responses have been merged).
How was your day before the cooperative ?
The day was filled with daily tasks like fetching water, taking care of the children, the livestock, and preparing meals.
How does your day go now ?
A lot of work! Between gardening, sewing, batik dyeing, fattening livestock, stocking the shop, and selling our products, not to mention teaching young girls and other women the skills we’ve learned, our days are full, but we are earning money!
How is the cooperative organized ?
We organize ourselves into work teams so that each of us can work and earn a living. Many women are interested in what we do and travel from surrounding villages to benefit from our advice. Many insist on joining the cooperative.
Did you receive any training when you joined the cooperative ?
Yes, thanks to the NGO Tidène and Les Puits du Désert, I took part in training on community life, financial management, micro-enterprise management, batik dyeing, crafts, and techniques for processing fruits and vegetables.
Have your income increased ?
Yes, working in this cooperative has been a huge advantage for me. Before, I had nothing, and now I have financial independence. Before, I couldn’t even buy a matchstick, but now I can manage my personal expenses and contribute to the family’s income. I am also more entrepreneurial; I calculate what I can earn from everything I do.
Can we say that the cooperative has helped improve your family life ?
Yes, I live better in every way. The improvement is obvious, and we have become role models today. Since the cooperative was founded, I’ve been able to buy a lot of equipment, clothes for my children, kitchen utensils, buckets, and many other useful items.
What future do you envision today for your children ?
I want them to pursue long studies and become professionals who will help us develop more projects for our village.
Was this future possible before joining the cooperative ?
Not at all, because before the cooperative was established, we were lost and never imagined being where we are today. We had nothing, and especially no hope.
Interview conducted by Elmoktar Anousra Aittock, NGO Tidène
