The most important thing to keep in mind is that gender-related issues in your country may not be similar in Morocco. Behaviors that may be considered sexist in your own country, such as catcalls or suggestive remarks particularly addressed to women, are bitterly tolerated although despised and frowned upon by most people.
Please note that this kind of treatment is not only reserved to foreign females. Moroccan women receive similar advances and are generally aware that while this behavior can be annoying is seldom threatening. In most cases, a response is not expected. Moroccan women pretend not to hear these “greetings” and you may simply ignore them as well. Keep in mind that becoming angry or defensive is unlikely to change behaviors. On the contrary, defensiveness may only provoke further catcalling. Try as best as you can to take these comments within their context. However, if anyone becomes particularly persistent, rude, or difficult to avoid, call him to someone else’s attention. Moroccans are more than willing to intervene when they see someone in need of help and won’t hesitate to chastise someone whom they see behaving shamefully.
Leave A Comment