Morocco: Souad Talsi, an activist devoted to the Moroccan diaspora in England

Souad Talsi MBE is a Moroccan activist with boundless energy. Founder of the Al Hassaniya Centre in 1985, she works to improve the living conditions of the Moroccan community and to promote the rights of Moroccan women in England. This commitment earned her the title of “Member of the British Empire” (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth in 2011.

Souad Talsi arrived in England in 1972 with her mother to join her father who had been living there since 1969. As the daughter of a migrant and defender of Moroccan workers in England, she became involved in her father’s struggles. At barely 15, she became a translator of administrative documents for Moroccan immigrants who did not speak English. A work that fascinated her and led her to study law at Birbeck College, University of London. After graduating, she joined the legal aid NGO, Citizen Advice Bureau. “I was responsible for the legal aid franchise for immigration and nationality cases for several years and became a specialist immigration adviser and senior caseworker,” she says. She soon gained a reputation as the the one “who does the papers” for Moroccan immigrants.

A commitment to Moroccan women 

Despite all her efforts, she felt unsatisfied and decided to open Al Hassania Moroccan Woman Centre on 26 November 1985. A centre opened in London whose aim is to facilitate Moroccan women’s access to services and care, as they often face linguistic, cultural and religious barriers. It works to educate, engage and empower Moroccan and Arab women living in the UK. Often, the centre is called upon to work beyond English borders to seek justice and redress wrongs, often in cases of domestic violence. In 2016, Souad Talsi was able to reunite a Moroccan mother living in Morocco with her three-year-old son who had been kidnapped by his British father of Pakistani origin. 

As part of its activities, the centre has initiated several projects, including the Dardascha project, whose objective was to record in a book the stories of immigrant women who arrived in England between 1960 and 1990. During the Covid 19 crisis, the centre also offered support, advice, help and assistance to Moroccans in England. The centre is opened 7 days a week and has finally extended its services to all Arab women and their families in England.

Recognitions and awards

Souad Talsi has been advocating for 40 years. She received several awards. In 2011, she was named MBE (Member of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth. She was also appointed by King Mohammed VI as a representative on the CCME (Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad) in England. From 2007 to 2011, she was the representative of the National Advisory Group of Muslim Women in England to the government of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. 

In 2017, the Al Hassaniya Centre was accredited by the United Nations (UN). It also has charitable status in England. 

At 61 years old and despite health constraints, Souad Talsi is more than determined to continue her fight to defend those whose voices are stifled. And above all, to promote Moroccan culture in England.