Women in Mauritania always played a considerable role in the economic and social activities of the nation. Her activities never lack importance in all fringes of society. For example, the rearing of the children, which is the major task confronting our women is really a difficult work and an enormous responsibility. But, in spite of this, women's activities have always been considered as secondary ones. This outcasting of women and the roles assigned to them can be explained by a lack of maturity of the society itself. This society has always underestimated women's activities and considered them as a nonproductive element. Even though, all the development or attempt of cultural, economic, or social blooming passes inevitably by women who constitute a vital and interesting element of the society. In the following lines, we will try to show you what are the roles of women in social and economic development.
The role of women in social development is real important in the traditional society, as well as it is the case today, has represented the central heart of the family. She is interested in solving all the family problems; and she always tries to satisfy all the members of the family. It should be said aloud that this is not an easy responsibility, because the family is in our society, as well as in all the African societies, is very extended: the father, the mother, the children, the cousins, the relatives, etc.
In addition to that, woman is obliged to play roles that are so hard that she does not posses physical or physiological capacities to carry them out. Though, she always tries hard to make her family have good living standards. The normal status of the head of the family, that of a man who is able to protect his family and meet all its needs is vanishing. In fact some investigations made upon this subject show that the number of women who are heads of families is in perpetual growth. All what has been mentioned above is to show how important woman is in the family and in the society. Women in the traditional society were ready to cooperate with men; but this wish did not attract anyone's attention. They have been unfortunately, associated with roles of: motherhood, wife, teacher, servant, etc.
In spite of all that, the importance of woman's roles in the traditional society remains cardinal. She has always stood beside man, ready to help him in the achievement of his works, especially in agriculture and livestock. Moreover, woman takes care of children from their birth until the age of seven or more. She has also seemed to be uniquely responsible in their education. With regards to rural works, one can say that woman plays an important role. She always participates in farming works and the trade of farm products.
The traditional economy of Mauritania was based on agriculture and livestock. Within these fields, woman's role is considered to be a primary one. Even though, traditional considerations have underestimated it and have represented it as a subsidiary role because it belongs to a weak being.
Women's contributions have been greatly considerable and almost the whole society could have benefited from them. The improvement of the social and family welfare was not possible had it not been women's productive activities. The latter do not stick to household alone, but they have been extended to other areas. Once domestic works are over, the woman usually joins her husband as the farm to help him.
Traditional woman practices a small trade within her hostel, which permits the family to overcome some economic difficulties, especially at the moment of eventual crises. In contrast to what was always believed, women participate greatly in the management of economy. In our society, women organize themselves in small groups, establishing traditional cooperatives known as towniyas. All members of this group work together manufacturing mats, tents, and making leather products.
It is then to be noticed that woman's role on the economic level is very critical, and it has guaranteed the survival of the society. But, unfortunately, this role has always been considered as a secondary one. As a matter of fact, this persistence of some mentalities refused to woman her status of being able to contribute in a vital manner, in the improvement of the society's living standard.
Despite any consideration, woman has played a very important role on the social and economic level. But, the discriminatory attitudes have presented woman's roles as nonproductive ones, just for the reason that they are achieved by a woman. This really constitutes one of the biggest handicaps facing woman's participation in the economic blooming, hence the nation build up and development.
In conclusion, the development of the country is not possible without the contribution of women who are the roots of her society.