PRESS RELEASE
Paris, March 25, 2025 – The UNF is proud to see its Vice President, Guila Clara Kessous, UNESCO Ambassador and artist, receive an exceptional award for her commitment to defending women’s rights across all continents. The UNF, which has been very active in Morocco since its creation, fully aligns itself with the values of the Bouabate-Fez Association.
Christophe Giovannetti, President of the UNF, highlighted the outstanding work carried out by the members and Ambassadors of the UNF at a time when humanity’s rights must be particularly safeguarded. This event, initiated by the Bouabate-Fez Association to celebrate its 15th anniversary, coinciding with International Women’s Rights Day, was an opportunity to highlight the commitment and contributions of women to Moroccan society while paying tribute to those who have worked to promote the country’s cultural heritage.
In a statement to MAP, Leila Bennis, President of the Bouabate-Fez Association, emphasized the significant evolution of women’s status in Moroccan society. Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, she stated, “women have managed to break the glass ceiling and now hold positions of responsibility in various sectors.”
“In 2008, identifying women who had achieved remarkable accomplishments was still a challenge. Today, Moroccan women play a central role in the country’s development,” she added.
For her part, Guila Clara Kessous, UNESCO Ambassador for Peace and artist, who was among the honored women, highlighted the profound symbolism of this tribute, calling it “a powerful message.”
“It is a great honor for me to be in Fez for this ceremony, to celebrate women and female leadership,” she said, stressing the symbolic importance of this recognition, particularly as Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is working on the new Moudawana, marking a crucial step in recognizing women’s rights.
This moment carries a special significance as it takes place in Fez, home to the world’s oldest university founded by a woman, Fatima Al-Fihriya, and “embodying both history, culture, and the pioneering role of women in society.”
During this edition of the “Fez Gate” Awards, several outstanding figures were honored, including:
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Naima Benyahia, Minister of Solidarity, Social Inclusion, and Family, who received the Institutional Trophy;
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Meryem Chami, CEO of AXA Assurance, recognized for her contributions to the economy and business sector;
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Benjelloun Khadija, President of a division at the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, awarded the Magistracy Trophy;
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Souad Mekkaoui, co-founder of Maroc Diplomatique, honored in the Media category;
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Laure d’Astorg, CEO of the Alliance for Forest Conservation, recipient of the Environment Trophy;
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Naziha Belkeziz, Présidente Directrice Générale of Banque Centrale Populaire, who was awarded the Woman of the Year Trophy for her role in the financial sector.
Finally, a special jury prize was awarded to Nabil El Maaroufi, an expert in digital accessibility and computer engineering. The event, which brought together personalities from the cultural, institutional, and economic sectors, provided a platform to discuss the challenges and progress in women’s rights in Morocco while shining a light on exceptional career paths.
Press Contact:
Christophe Giovannetti
President of the UNF
contact@unionnationsfederation.com
