In Morocco, a woman can be imprisoned if is pregnant without being married. The Mahjouba Edbouche Association fights this injustice with courage and tenderness.
Moroccan law criminalizes sexual intercourse outside of marriage and a woman can be sentenced to prison if she becomes pregnant without being married. Abortion is also illegal, it is only allowed when the pregnancy puts the woman's health at risk and the man must give his consent. Many young women find themselves in a vulnerable situation and often do not dare to tell their families about the pregnancy for fear of rejection. The Oum El Banine association, led by the charismatic Mahjouba Edbouche fights an unjust reality silenced by Morocco’s media.
The Edbouche support group provides a home, emotional care and legal assistance until the time of delivery. The journey is full of obstacles and requires high doses of courage and tenderness. Director Myriam Bakir captures impactful scenes in which the parents of pregnant girls deny reality, despite Edbouche’s persistence in offering solutions. An example of how love and fellowship challenge an oppressive system that violates women’s basic rights.