A Moroccan initiative is bringing the stories of accomplished women to children through “Les Intrépides,” a bilingual book series launched by Mentor’Elles.
The association, founded in 2016, supports women through mentoring, training, inspiration and professional networks. With “Les Intrépides,” it is focusing on an earlier stage: helping children imagine new possibilities through real Moroccan role models.
The first volume, released on March 8, 2023, featured 10 women from fields including science, sports, entrepreneurship, civil society, culture and the arts. Those profiled included photographer and activist Leila Alaoui, mountaineer Bouchra Baibanou, physicist Rajae Cherkaoui El Moursli, athlete Nawal El Moutawakel and artist Chaibia Talal.
Rather than presenting academic biographies, the project reshapes documented life stories into accessible narratives for children and young readers. The process involved research, fact-checking, consultation with the women or their families, and input from historians and cultural figures, according to the announcement.
A second volume followed in March 2025, expanding the series to 15 additional stories. Its subjects include figures from medicine, music, cinema, science, fashion, football officiating, architecture, robotics and social entrepreneurship.
The books are published in Arabic and French and use illustrations and portraits by Moroccan artists, helping connect each woman with her field and story.
Source: Jinha Agency
