Visiting one of the small villages in the Atlas Mountains, I watched as the women and children alike assembled around an old house. An older woman began to speak in traditional storytelling manner, conveying herself to everyone in the crowd with animated detail. The children restlessly listened while the women looked on silently, their faces reflecting curiosity and longing. It's as if they are saying, "What if we could tell our own tales ? What if we were given the educational opportunities to participate in our culture fully? 

This was, in fact, the moment that really made me conscious of how few opportunities exist for such women and how scant their lives were in everything that concerns education and cultural experiences. I was there to volunteer and try to bridge that gap by organizing some cultural activities with them, but the disparities were crushing. While Morocco's cities nurture growth and renewal in its culture, these women remain on the fringes, unable even to participate in or contribute to the cultural vibrancy of their heritage. It is a country of striking cultural diversity, with African, Arab, and European influences. The way customs, traditions, arts, and music are interwoven into one brilliant tapestry is a spectacle to see. On the other hand, this very rich culture provides enormous challenges in itself pertaining to women's place within it. Almost half of the population is rural women who, due to educational barriers, find their participation inhibited. As many as 43.3% of rural women are illiterate, according to the High Commission for Planning, compared with 12.6% of urban women. 

This gap in education excludes scores of women from involvement in and the shaping of Moroccan culture. The following months that I lived in the Atlas Mountains clearly revealed how a lack of education restricts their access to cultural opportunities. Moreover, cultural events are few and far between, and financial resources to support them are almost nil. These women have few spaces for self-expression, no platforms to nurture their talents, and seldom get the opportunity to preserve and share their local traditions-very important to Morocco's identity. According to research, only about 35% of women are involved in formal cultural activities. This indicates the dire need for increased access. This is in addition to the major economic difficulties that poor families' women have to face, making them feel more isolated. 

As estimated by the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, 65% of rural women have never attended any kind of cultural event. That does not exclude the other barriers. The situation calls for serious educational and training programs for women in rural areas. These activities should enhance cultural and artistic skills, and also give women opportunities to express themselves and their point of view. Culture is not a luxury reserved for the few; it is a right due to all. Empowering women to engage in cultural activities brings life not only to them but also to the dynamic tapestry of Moroccan culture. 

Women are important in passing the torch of heritage to succeeding generations; hence, their involvement has to be of essence in maintaining the nation's true identity. Therefore, both the government and civil society must work together in creating programs that make cultural life more open to one and all. Education and training are highly indispensable, and spaces have to be created where women can learn, grow, and share their stories. Raising awareness of the importance of women's participation in culture is a crucial first step in this direction. 

We can invest in these efforts to create an inclusive society-one that recognizes culture as space to be shared by all, where each has an opportunity to contribute. This, therefore, constitutes both a humanitarian duty and an investment in the future of Morocco: giving women the possibility to take part in cultural life. And we can keep enriching Morocco's cultural tapestry with the different stories and abilities of its people by providing the ability for all voices to be heard.