Gender Stereotypes as Barriers to Women's Empowerment: Evidence from Artisanal Cooperatives in Morocco

This study examines how gender stereotypes constrain women’s empowerment within artisanal cooperatives in Morocco’s Marrakech-Safi region. While these cooperatives are widely promoted as vehicles for inclusive development, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, particularly in governance and decisionmaking processes. Drawing on Social Role Theory and the concept of self-efficacy, this research investigates the effects of internalized gender norms on women's self-assessment, confidence, and perceptions of legitimacy. A structured survey was conducted in late 2024 among 1,012 members of 92 artisanal cooperatives, including both women-only and mixed-gender cooperatives. The questionnaire measured self-perceived technical and organizational skills, endorsement of gender stereotypes, perceptions of female leadership, and empowerment trajectories. Quantitative analysis was performed using t-tests and multivariate logistic regression models, with control variables such as age, education level, cooperative size, and type. The results show a significant negative correlation between stereotype endorsement and women’s selfconfidence. However, women with stronger internalized stereotypes also demonstrated greater support for increased female representation in leadership positions. This paradox reflects a psychological tension between low self-perception and a desire for structural change. The findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive interventions that target both individual beliefs and institutional practices.