Machi Rojola by the Elille Collective

Review by: Andy Mendez

The short:

Machi Rojola is a podcast that aims to challenge toxic masculinities in Moroccan society through conversations with researchers, feminists, human rights activists, and writers, with the ultimate goal of engaging men as partners in the movement for gender equality.

The long: 

In Moroccan Arabic, the phrase “machi rojola” means “not manly.” This phrase is often used to shame men and boys for behaviors that deviate from traditional ideas of masculinity. With this phrase as its title, the podcast aims to question these social and cultural norms. Each episode draws attention to how the patriarchy influences masculine behavior and creates harm in society. The Machi Rojola podcast was launched in November 2020 by Soufiane Hennani, co-founder of the Elille Collective, in response to the rise in domestic violence occurring during the COVID-19 lockdowns. In a series of intimate conversations, the podcast discusses how men can be a part of the solution to end gender-based violence and promote the human rights of other marginalized identities, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community.

To listen or not to listen:

Listen! This podcast is a great resource for those of you with an interest in feminism and gender relations in Muslim majority countries. Additionally, if you are learning one of the Maghrebi dialects of Arabic (Moroccan, Tunisian, or Algerian), this podcast is a perfect way to practice your listening skills.