Morocco’s Green Mosque Program in the City of Marrakesh

Abstract: This thesis is a case study in Marrakesh of Morocco's Green Mosque Program, whose objective is to use solar energy and other green technologies in Morocco's numerous mosques. Focuses of the thesis include how the Green Mosque Program came about, the roles of women within the program and the social effects of the program. The research for this thesis was done during late spring and summer of 2018, and included observations and semi-structured interviews. This thesis found that the inclusion of women could be greater at all phases of the Green Mosque Program. Additionally, the researcher observed a nascent environmentalism within the city of Marrakesh, and that almost all Marrakesh residents interviewed for this thesis were in favor of environmental action, including the use of solar energy. This paper intends to contribute to greater understanding of how governments can work together with civil societyin the realms of clean energy and energy security in the face of climate change. In addition, this thesis provides greater understanding regarding the role of women in energy campaigns and the effectiveness of government efforts toward the inclusion ofwomen. This thesis also intends to contribute to research about energy and environment in Morocco.