Soumaya Naamane Guessous, a pioneering figure in Moroccan sociology and literature, was honored in a moving session that celebrated her professional journey and her unwavering activism. The author of the bestseller "Au-delà de toute pudeur", she is known for using her pen as a weapon to challenge social norms and advocate for the oppressed. During her speech, she emphasized the deep resonance of receiving recognition from her own country, describing it as more meaningful than any other.

“I’ve always made my language a weapon against taboos,” she declared, asserting the role of the sociologist as someone driven by a deep sense of curiosity and responsibility. Her future autobiographical work, "Moi, la fille d’un prisonnier politique", will explore her personal history, including her father's political imprisonment. She reflected on the emotional burden of writing in Morocco, saying that being a writer in her country means writing with a heavy heart, yet with hope. It also means creating invisible connections with readers, bonds that transcend the written word.

Soumaya dedicated the tribute to the many women who had opened their doors to her during her fieldwork, entrusting her with their stories of courage and resilience. She also extended her gratitude to her family, her husband Chakib Guessous, and daughters Salma and Ilham, for their constant love and support. Her final thanks went to the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, for reminding her that “the sociologist still has a place in a Morocco that is constantly evolving.”

The session was enriched by the heartfelt presence of Sana Benbelli, who shared her personal testimony. As a former student and mentee of Soumaya, she expressed her deep gratitude for the guidance and inspiration she received. From her early career teaching in rural Morocco, Sana recalled the pivotal moment when Soumaya accompanied her in the field, supporting her academic journey with care and generosity.

Moderated by Sabah Chraibi, the discussion painted a powerful portrait of a woman who has dedicated her life to breaking silence, empowering others, and weaving social change.