Previously, women in small family businesses of two or three people would collect the argan fruit and extract its oil. Their husbands or brothers would then sell the oil in local markets or exchange it for sugar and other goods. In recent years, however, women’s co-operatives have been created to meet the surge in demand.
These co-operatives provide the women with an income, as well as a social experience and improved status. Access to education, healthcare, and the opportunity to earn money are some of the benefits of the Argan Industry in the communities. With more financial independence, the women are able to choose how to spend their earnings, changing the status of women in the family. Women regain the capacity to decide, to manage their income and to invest in the future by sending their children to school. Others recognise a shift in attitudes towards women in general in this Arabic country due to their newfound independence. Arganizm employs about 4,000 women and work with about 50 co-ops in the area.