For sixteen consecutive years, Rhazala El Mazouki has traveled from Morocco to Spain to take part in the strawberry harvest in the province of Huelva. But this time, while working in sweltering greenhouses, her thoughts went beyond providing for her family—she was focused on developing her own business. Over the past year, she managed to open a small bakery in her hometown of Sidi Kacem, and now dreams of expanding production and giving her daughter the opportunity to finish her studies in hospitality.
Rhazala was inspired to start her own business after attending special entrepreneurship courses organized by the Agromartin company in Lepe, together with the Cepaim foundation and local authorities. At these sessions, women who come for seasonal work learn how to plan budgets, manage their time, communicate with clients, and find resources for growth. The evening classes are held twice a week, with schedules tailored to fit participants’ fatigue and busy workloads.
Over the past year, several women have been able to launch their own projects thanks to this initiative. For example, Saida El Houti has strengthened her family farm in Sidi Redouane, and Jamaa El Majdoubi began making carpets in Tiflet. All these ventures are registered as cooperatives, enabling women not only to earn an income but also to serve as role models for others in their villages.
The selection of participants begins with identifying those who show an interest in entrepreneurship. Many are initially hesitant, believing that a small vegetable garden or a couple of goats are enough for them. But after training, they realize they can save up capital and invest it in their own business. This year, 24 women aged 25 to 50 presented their business ideas, of which five were deemed the most promising. Among them are projects for poultry farming, opening bakeries, tailoring and carpet-making workshops, as well as couscous production.
Despite the fact that the berry-growing sector in Huelva generates billions of euros for Spain, it is shadowed by a host of problems: harsh working conditions, the isolation of women, and language and cultural barriers. Many seasonal workers live far from cities, making them vulnerable to labor rights violations. However, participating in the entrepreneurship program helps them not only improve their financial well-being, but also gain confidence.
Project organizers note that their current goal is to support women financially so they can purchase the necessary equipment or expand their production. Plans include the further development of cooperatives and the involvement of new participants, so that even more women can change their lives after returning from Spain.
