Quality brand and female leadership promoting textile production of women with disabilities

Solution
Alnour (Light)
Organization
Association ALNOUR
Country of Implementation
Morocco
Region
Africa
Subregion
MENA
Start Year
2013
First published
03.12.2024

Alnour in Marrakech employs women with disabilities in Moroccan embroidery. By 2024, 40 women gained social security and skills training, collaborating with global institutions like NYC’s MET Museum.

A large group of women, some in wheelchairs, wear matching pink uniforms and pose together, representing solidarity and empowerment. Their expressions convey pride and camaraderie. This gathering highlights the strength and unity in inclusive work environments, where everyone contributes equally.
At Alnour, women with disabilities produce high-quality traditional Moroccan embroidery.

Solution details

People

Yasmine CHAKIR Website
“Al Nour means ‘the light’ in Arabic. Since the creation of Alnour in 2013, this light is a symbol for hope; for a self-determined life in dignity and independence.” Aziza, an Alnour embroiderer

Alnour, a Marrakech social business launched in 2013 by an Austrian philanthropist, offers women with disabilities workspaces and employment in traditional Moroccan embroidery. It provides social security, sales support, child-care services, transport, and skills training. Alnour is producing high-quality products and cooperates with leading institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to promote its sales. By mid-2024, Alnour employed 40 embroiderers, among them 32 women with disabilities.

Problems Targeted

Women with disabilities in Morocco face few employment opportunities, insufficient work conditions, and unequal compensation.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Alnour, established in 2013 by an Austrian philanthropist, is a social enterprise based in Marrakech. It provides employment and a suitable workspace for women with disabilities to engage in traditional Moroccan embroidery, including clothing, tablecloths, bed linens, and accessories inspired by Islamic traditions. It operates both as a business and an association. The business primarily focuses on the production and sale of embroidery products, collaborating with prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and participating in international exhibitions. The association, on the other hand, takes a broader approach by providing support services to women with disabilities, including childcare, transportation, and vocational training. It also ensures that the voices of these women are heard and included in decision-making processes. By mid-2024, Alnour employed 71 people in total, including 40 embroiderers with disabilities and seven young deaf-mute women in training, with the remaining staff working in sales, kitchen, cleaning, and maintenance roles. The price for Alnour’s products range from €5 to €480, and can be purchased in partner shops and online.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Alnour is supported by philanthropic funding, but increasingly through its revenue streams. The Alnour Assocation is promoting local ownership and governance by including women’s voices in its development and growth.  (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Media

Pictures

A large group of women, some in wheelchairs, wear matching pink uniforms and pose together, representing solidarity and empowerment. Their expressions convey pride and camaraderie. This gathering highlights the strength and unity in inclusive work environments, where everyone contributes equally. At Alnour, women with disabilities produce high-quality traditional Moroccan embroidery.
A large group of women, some in wheelchairs, wear matching pink uniforms and pose together, representing solidarity and empowerment. Their expressions convey pride and camaraderie. This gathering highlights the strength and unity in inclusive work environments, where everyone contributes equally. At Alnour, women with disabilities produce high-quality traditional Moroccan embroidery.

Related information

Connections
2

Solutions with the same:

Country of Implementation

Morocco

Region of Implementation

Africa