Empowering Voices | Cool Girl Experience : SAHRAOUIYA

In the heart of the Dakhla’s desert, equipped with just a map and compass to find our way, we took on a series of challenges. as we ran, biked, canoed, and climbed sand dunes, all while completing a tough boot camp. over the course we covered 15O kilometers, quite impressive, isn’t it? and you know what I’m also not sure of how it all began or how we did it, but I would be thrilled to share the story of how it unfolded. On January 12th 2024, I flew back to Dakhla after the first semester vacations, expecting to dive back into school. but I had no idea that I still have three weeks before classes started. and since I love making the most of life, I booked a hotel and spent two weeks there with Maroua, a precious friend of mine, meditating and relaxing. during that time, I faced difficult challenges that felt overwhelming. often, I would sit outside my room in a chair at midnight while everybody is asleep, silently under a blanket of stars watching the trails of shooting stars and listening to the gentle whispers of the waves. at times, I would be moved to tears; other moments, I would smile with reassurance, and sometimes, I felt nothing at all. Despite the chaos, I wasn’t afraid. I kept reminding myself that it was just a storm and that soon it would pass. little did I know that SAHRAOUIYA would turn out to be the fresh air I needed to clear it all away. During the last days left, I felt a lot of energy building up inside me, the kind that could turn into real strength if only I knew how to release it. but I was lost in my thoughts, unsure of how to channel it. one night at dinner with Maroua, I remember her telling me about sahraouiya. she said, “why don’t you try Sahraouiya? you are going to love it; its exactly your kind of thing.” I stayed quit but she pressed on, saying, “if you can’t trust yourself right now, could you trust me? I know you well, and I know how brave you are, you are just blinded by the negative thoughts in your mind.” The next day, I woke up late and found that she had sent me Laila OUACHI’s phone number, the co-founder and CEO of Sahraouiya. along with it was a short message: “call her, you won’t regret it.” Maroua had already left Dakhla and was on her way home to Casablanca. I didn’t hesitate, I followed her advice right away. my heart raced as the phone rang, and soon, a comforting voice answered. it was Laila. I explained my situation, telling her that I’m a student who loves challenges and is passionate about sport. she didn’t need to ask many questions; she just welcomed me with open arms. I still recall the silent tears I shed while packing to leave the hotel, tears of both fear and courage, feeling unprepared to face the world and what lay ahead. with just five days remaining before Sahraouiya began, I was intensely focused on training alone, as I was the only representative from Dakhla. and since water is my element, swimming, my preferred activity, provided relief. I remember how Ms. Samira BAGHDAD, the pool director, could come to watch me do laps and cheer me on with genuine enthusiasm. even as we were about to leave to the Dunes hotel to start Sahraouiya, she was there, holding me tight and proudly sharing with everyone how skilled I was in sports. before I boarded the bus, she embraced me warmly and said, “you are going to have the best experience, live it to the fullest.” For those who may not know about Sahraouiya, I would like to provide some insight. well, Sahraouiya is an empowering annual event that takes place in Dakhla, Morocco. brigning women from various backgrounds to participate in a unique adventure challenge. Sahraouiya combine sports, solidarity, and discovery, offering participants the opportunity to engage in different activities as running, biking and kayaking across the stunning landscapes of Sahara. and what sets Sahraouiya apart is its focus on promoting social causes, with teams competing not only for physical achievement but also to raise awareness for various charitable organizations. Co-founded by Laila OUACHI, a dedicated supporter for women’s leadership and social impact, Sahraouiya is the result of her vision. alongside a passionate organizing team that made the event difficult but equally rewarding. Sahraouiya brings women from diverse backgrounds; teachers, entrepreneurs, mothers, students and professionals. each with their own stories come together for one reason surpassing themselves. Back on the bus before our departure, while I was searching for a seat, I heard Somaya, ma binome, as I like to call her, calling out, “here is Wiame!” but before I dive into the rest of the story, let me explain how we ended up doing Sahraouiya together. originally, Somaya was supposed to do it with her sister, but due to some personal reasons, her sister couldn’t make it. similarly, I was supposed to team up with a friend, but at the last minute, I learned she couldn’t get to Dakhla in time. so, the Sahraouiya team paired us together. What makes this experience even more remarkable is that I had been following Somaya’s healthy life style content for years and never anticipated meeting her in person, let alone sharing the same room with her. when we finally met, we shared a warm embrace, and I was filled with a range of emotions; joy, excitement and nervousness. I took the first seat on the bus, right next to the driver, with countless questions running through my mind, feeling as tough I was in a dream. and then I remembered an old teacher of mine saying that life has no coincidences, only appointments. and meeting Somaya felt like one of those perfect appointments that life has to offer. We would always promise each other as we woke up that we wouldn’t give up until we are done. because we knew that each day of Sahraouiya presents new demanding challenges, harsh terrain, physical exhaustion, and unpredictable weather that push us to our limits, testing both body and spirit. yet, in those moments the true essence of friendship shines. For me, sharing this experience with Somaya made it all more unforgettable. despite our age difference, we were completely in sync sharing the same energy and enthusiasm as if we had known each other in another time. late into the night, we would stay up talking about anything and everything, from life’s little moments to our biggest dreams. there was an unspoken bond between us that turned the five days into something magical, making every challenge feel lighter because we faced it together. in the end, Sahraouiya wasn’t just about testing physical limits but also about discovering those connections that surpass time and space. uniting women in a way that last far beyond the event. Sahraouiya gave me more than just an unforgettable adventure; it gave me back a part of myself I thought I had lost. through each hard challenge, every step through the harsh desert, and the long running nights spent under the stars, I rediscovered a resilience that had been buried beneath my doubts. the event pushed me to my limits, but in doing so, it showed me that those limits were far greater than I ever imagined. I learned that strength isn’t just about physical endurance but it’s about the courage to keep going when everything inside you wants to stop. The spirit of Sahraouiya, the friendships I formed, and the empowering atmosphere allowed me to heal in ways I didn’t expect. it reminded me that no matter how lost or broken we may feel, we are capable of more than we think. the desert with its vast emptiness, gave me space to reflect, while the women beside me, especially Somaya, gave me the support and inspiration I needed to rise again. Sahraouiya wasn’t just an event, it was a turning point a reminder that I am strong, capable and ready to face whatever comes next. and surely it was the same for all of us. Sahraouiya for a day, but surely Sahraouiya forever. To Maroua who did know me well; to Ms. Samira BAGHDAD, who was right about Sahrouiya been the best experience; to my teacher, who didn’t lie when he told me about life has no coincidences but only appointments; to Ms. Liala OUACHI for welcoming me with open arms; to Somaya, my best meeting; and to all the warriors of Sahraouiya, I dedicate this article.

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