It's Ivanka Trump's turn in the spotlight following a visit to Morocco where she was promoting women's economic empowerment in her capacity as a White House adviser.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing. A viral video showing a Moroccan woman kissing the hand of US President Donald Trump's daughter has caused quite the controversy.
Kissing a guest's hand is sometimes considered a welcome gesture according to Moroccan culture, but some considered it humiliating.
صورة أثارت جدلًا. فلاحة بسيطة تقبل يد ايفانكا ترامب عند زيارتها للمغرب.
— دنيا نوار (@Dounia_N) November 8, 2019
المشكلة ليست في ايفانكا ولا في المزارعة البسيطة التي تصرفت بعفوية. لكن في من زرعوا القهر والفقر فينا حتى نبقى دائما خانعين. pic.twitter.com/79AzNd8a5F
Translation: “A photo that sparked a massive controversy. A simple villager kissed Ivanka Trump's hand when she visited Morocco. It is not Ivanka’s fault, nor the humble woman who probably did not know any better. The blame is on those who have planted oppression and inferiority in our society, and taught us to always be always be submissive.”
It is sometimes customary for a person to withdraw their hands before they can be kissed to demonstrate humility but in the video Ivanka did not appear to be aware of this.
However, the Moroccan woman said she did not feel like kissing Ivanka’s hand was shameful or humiliating, but rather an expression of respect.
She stated that she and the other women with her were honored to welcome Ivanka who announced the establishment of a women's association for cattle breeding, helping to promote economic empowerment of women in North Africa.
Almost 4,000 pix + 18 hours later sharing two pix of @ivankatrump in #Morocco today. 1) Farmer Aicha Bourkib kisses Ivanka’s hands telling her how being able to inherit land has affected her. 2) Ivanka + Princess Lalla Meryem arrive for dinner at the palace. @apnews @ap_politics pic.twitter.com/Bb85NaIkQ1
— Jacquelyn Martin (@Jacquelyn_M) November 7, 2019
"I was very happy to meet these powerful women who could own the land," Ivanka shared on her Twitter account.
An impactful day in Morocco, where we furthered all 3 pillars of #WGDP 🇺🇸🇲🇦⬇️
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) November 8, 2019
💫 Women Prospering in the Workforce
💫 Women Succeeding as Entrepreneurs
💫 Women Enabled in the Economy pic.twitter.com/pRBLm8Pvbx