Women and development: a case of women empowerment and community development through the Tayssir program in Morocco

This paper aims to understand the relationship between the cash transfer program (Tayssir) and its role in promoting empowerment of rural women as a platform for social development focusing on decision-making, accessibility, and mobility in Morocco. The qualitative research was conducted between May to July 2017. It utilized a case study methodology that involved mothers from rural villages who benefited from the Tayssir program. The women are aged between 33 and 65 years old. The research was carried out using participant-observation and in-depth interviews with rural mothers. Findings from the case study showed that the cash transfer program was able to promote a degree of empowerment for women, notably in terms of accessibility and mobility. Aspects of accessibility and mobility were observed, particularly in terms of access to financial services (Post Maroc), having an ID card, and extending their social networks. However, the cash transfer program did not affect decision-making processes within the rural family. The primary reason behind that is decision-making is often collectively done among family members. Decision-making measures include making decisions on financial matters, such as; the sale of family assets as well as making improvements to the home. Within this context, women’s empowerment through the Tayssir program was limited due to cultural barriers. These findings are important for the next generation of cash transfer studies. It can also serve the body of work on the effectiveness of cash transfer programs and its relation to community development.