Podcast: Machi Rojola – Redefining Manhood and Rethinking Masculinity in Morocco

In Morocco, a groundbreaking initiative is challenging long-held norms and sparking a vital conversation about what it means to be a man. We came across Machi Rojola – Repenser les masculinités au Maroc, a digital platform and cultural project dedicated to promoting positive and plural masculinities.

Developed by the collective Elille, Machi Rojola, functions as a think tank and creative space. It examines masculinities through a critical, feminist lens, directly addressing the structures of a patriarchal society. The project moves beyond the simplistic and often harmful stereotype that masculinity is a monolithic set of traits tied to biological sex. Instead, it explores the diverse and fluid expressions of manhood within contemporary Moroccan society. Its goal is not to vilify men, but to critically analyze the destructive social effects of rigid traditional norms while championing alternative models based on respect, inclusivity, and responsibility.

Operating as a "slow-media" hub, Machi Rojola employs a multi-format approach to fuel reflection. It features a bi-monthly podcast hosting open, constructive debates on masculinity's representations and societal role. These dialogues are complemented by in-depth articles and analyses, creating a continuous stream of thought on the social, cultural, and political dimensions of manhood. Each piece is enhanced by original video capsules and illustrations, using visual storytelling to deepen understanding.

The initiative tackles essential and provocative questions: Is masculinity inherently toxic? How can traditional representations of men in arts and culture be redefined? Can the man of tomorrow be a feminist? By creating this space for dialogue, experimentation, and cultural production, Machi Rojola aims to liberate men's voices and reconcile them with the principles of equality and inclusion, ultimately asking: How can we be different kinds of men in a changing world?