Between Spain and Morocco, I built my independence

Four years ago, I heard about an opportunity to work abroad as a seasonal agricultural worker in Spain, and I registered. It was my first time travelling abroad, and I was a bit afraid to leave my children and home behind. 

In the end, everything went well. The working conditions were good, and I didn’t face any difficulties. But in my mind, I was always thinking about starting my own business. The problem was I didn’t have the means or the know-how.

Then in 2022, I received a call from ANAPEC, Morocco’s National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills. They explained that there was a programme for women seasonal agricultural workers to help them develop their own business. I joined, and when they asked me, “Do you already have an idea?” I said, “Yes. I'd like to open a grocery shop."

The International Labour Organization (ILO) programme is called WAFIRA, which stands for “Women as financially independent rural actors”.  We had training sessions both in Spain and in Morocco. 

At first many of the women workers were afraid.  They said things like, “If they give us financial support, they’ll ask for it back later. They never give you anything for free.” 

In Tangier, the Minister of Employment came to meet us. We also met other officials. People finally understood that this wasn’t something strange, but a proper public programme.

My husband also supported me a lot. He told me, “It doesn’t matter what the outcome is, what’s important is the experience. At least we learn and move forward.” His support made all the difference.

Thanks to the training we received through WAFIRA… I learned how to keep my paperwork in order, how to deal with clients and how to work with suppliers.

Fatima Laanieg, Grocery shop entrepreneur

Thanks to the training we received through WAFIRA, we learnt how to start a business. Honestly, everything is in your hands — you just need to be a determined woman. The key is how you act and make decisions.

We were taught to separate personal money from business money; the money you invest to buy stock, and the money that represents your profit; how much you earn on each product, how to calculate it… I learnt all that. 

I also learnt how to keep my paperwork in order, how to deal with clients and how to work with suppliers. For example, when the distributor or supplier comes, he gives me an invoice. If he doesn’t, I ask for it — because I need to know exactly what I’ve spent and what’s gone out.

I still go each year for four months to work in Spain, and my family helps to look after the shop while I’m away. 

When I’m home, I wake up at 7 a.m.  I bake 40 to 60 loaves of bread. My kitchen is right next to the shop so I can bake while keeping an eye on the store. I sell and restock. The suppliers come by with eggs, milk, gas canisters, and so on. 

So many things have changed. People know me now. They say, “Go to Fatima’s shop!” Everyone greets me; they recognize me. It’s given me real self-confidence. I talk to people without fear. This project has given me inner strength.

Before many women would register to work abroad, leave their families, come back with a bit of savings and then spend everything, waiting for the next year to go back to Spain.

WAFIRA opened a door for me and many other women to start our own business projects. 

People know me now. They say, “Go to Fatima’s shop!” Everyone greets me; they recognize me. It’s given me real self-confidence.

Fatima Laanieg, Grocery shop entrepreneur

My dream is for my project to succeed. I want to build up some capital. For now, it’s small, but I’m working hard so that one day it will become something big. 

Why not start with a small shop, then turn it into a supermarket, and later open others elsewhere? My project is growing — step by step. 

When my son grows up, I’d also like him to go into business and learn this trade. That’s my vision and my dream.