Moroccan woman, 29, cycles to Malawi

By Deogratias Mmana:

A 29-year-old woman from Morocco, Meryem Belkihel, has cycled from her country to Malawi, covering a total of 26 countries so far.

Belkihel, who will head to Tanzania after resting in Malawi for a month, is exploring Africa and challenging women to face odds in their endeavours.

She dreams of summiting Mountain Kilimanjaro.

Some of the countries she has visited include Cameroon, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia, among others.

She arrived in South Africa after 18 months of travel.

She said in an interview in Lilongwe that she embarked on the journey to empower women across Africa to have no limits in their endeavours.

She is expected to produce a documentary at the end of her journey.

“There is no limit in life,” Belkihel said.

“Women, especially those in rural areas, should pursue their dreams and challenge limitations in the society,” Belkihel said, adding that travellers during her early days inspired her to do the same.

Some of the challenges she has faced on the journey include malaria, bicycle breakdown, security and visa delays.

Belkihel, an information technology expert whose online alias is Meghylost, described Malawians as friendly and peaceful people.

Moroccan Ambassador to Malawi Abdelkader Naji said Belkihel’s story is not just her own but a source of inspiration to many.

“Her interactions with locals, her ability to navigate unexpected terrain and her resilience in the face of health challenges and other hazards are testaments to her adventurous spirit.

“Beyond the landscapes and the wildlife, it is the human connections that mark Meryem. Obviously, throughout her journey, she has met women and men who have supported her generously and warmly,” Naji said.

He added that Belkihel embodied the personality of the Moroccan woman who has overcome taboos and social barriers.

“Traveling around the world is not new in Moroccan history. Ibn Battouta travelled around the world at the beginning of the 14th Century,” the ambassador said.