Indigenous Women in North Africa: Amazigh Women and Argan Oil

The document discusses the role of Amazigh women in southwestern Morocco in the production of argan oil, a valuable commodity known for its health benefits, including delaying aging and hair loss. Traditionally, these women manually processed the oil, but since 1996, cooperatives have mechanized most steps, providing employment, education, and health services to the women. Despite these advancements, the control of argan oil production has shifted from the women to the state and businessmen, with 99% of argan forests now publicly owned. Consequently, 95% of the women are relegated to the traditional task of nut cracking, raising concerns about their benefits, earnings, and status within the cooperatives.