Morocco's first female head of government: Symbol or real reform?

After the announcement that Morocco would appoint its first female head of government – Marrakech mayor Fatima Zahra Mansouri – citizens interviewed by local television reporters were mostly enthusiastic. "It would be great if we had a female prime minister for a change. She'd lift our spirits a bit," one woman said. "Why don't we give women a chance? We've never had one [a female head of government] before," said another. "May God bless her and help her stay on a straight path." "Regardless of who takes on the role, it should be a change for the better in Morocco," a man added. But there were also naysayers. Some locals questioned how she would take part in official events where tradition and protocol dictate that only men attend.