Morocco’s Legal Reforms and Social Protection Key to Empowering Women, Minister Says

Rabat – During the 22nd regular meeting of the Executive Council of the Arab Women Organization (OFA) in Cairo, the Minister of Solidarity, Naima Ben Yahia, spoke about Morocco’s ongoing efforts to advance gender equality and empower women and girls.

She noted that the country’s social protection framework is set to play a crucial role in improving the lives of women, who often represent the most vulnerable demographic globally.

Morocco has gained significant expertise in integrating women into political life and decision-making processes, according to Ben Yahia.

For more than two decades, the country has worked to incorporate gender considerations into public policies and programs, supported by gender-responsive budgeting. Legislative advancements include the adoption of Morocco’s family and labor codes, as well as laws addressing violence against women, human trafficking, and protections for domestic workers.

The minister also referenced ongoing reforms, such as the review of the family code and penal laws, along with initiatives to expand social protection legislation.

Ben Yahia detailed Morocco’s proactive engagement with international and regional mechanisms related to women’s rights, referencing the withdrawal of treaty reservations and the adoption of key conventions and protocols.

These include the “Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women” and the “Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.” She stated that Morocco continues to uphold its international obligations in this regard.

A brief history of feminism in Morocco

For decades, Moroccan women endured systemic inequality and lack of recognition despite their vital contributions to society.

The roots of Moroccan feminism can be traced back to the 1940s when women’s issues began to gain attention within the country’s major political parties.

During this period, Moroccan women established Akhawat Assafa—translated as “Sisters of Purity”—marking an early step toward organized advocacy for women’s rights.

In 1944, Akhawat Assafa presented a series of demands aimed at improving the lives of impoverished and largely illiterate women.

These demands included the establishment of family laws to safeguard women’s rights within marriage, recognition and respect for domestic workers, and efforts to raise awareness about gender-based violence.

Feeling marginalized and deprived of their rights, Moroccan women began mobilizing to break free from societal constraints and fight for equality and justice. Their early activism laid the foundation for the feminist movements that would evolve in the decades to come.

Contextualizing gender equality challenges

Despite some noticeable but not enough progress, Morocco continues to face challenges in achieving full gender equality.

Gender-based violence remains a critical issue, as demonstrated by the recent Tangier sexual assault case, which rang the alarm bell for the urgent need for stronger protective measures and enforcement of existing laws.

Earlier this week, the Tangier appeals court sentenced the four minors involved in the case to three years in prison each for their roles in a group sexual assault, a verdict that some have criticized as insufficient.

Economic disparities also persist, with women facing lower workforce participation rates, wage gaps, and limited access to leadership roles.

A 2023 report by the Policy Center for the New South reveals that women’s participation in Morocco’s workforce has been in steady decline for the past two decades.

The report details that since 1999, female participation in the labor market, including those employed or seeking work, has gradually decreased. In 2022, women accounted for just 19.8% of the workforce, far below the 69.6% of men and the overall total of 44.3%.

Professional participation has declined across all age groups since 2010, with only 29% of women aged 25-34 employed in 2021, compared to nearly 32% in 2022.

The gender disparity is partly driven by women’s underrepresentation in education, especially among older generations, where fewer women have completed their schooling. In rural areas, limited access to education and healthcare further deepens inequality, preventing women and girls from achieving social and economic empowerment.

16 Days of Activism in Morocco

The “16 Days of Activism” campaign provides an opportunity to renew efforts and call for accountability as the world approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, a pivotal framework for advancing gender equality and the rights of women and girls.

Morocco is also participating in this global initiative, which runs from November 25 to December 10. The campaign kicked off with a village-style exhibition in Rabat’s Nouzhat Hassan park, where different organizations had booths to present the ways in which they are supporting the rights of women and girls.

Also part of this campaign, a series of films addressing gender-based violence are being screened in Rabat’s Cinema Renaissance, alongside other activities such as women’s fairs and various initiatives. These efforts aim to raise awareness and foster dialogue on the issue.

These activities are part of broader efforts to engage the public and encourage collective action against all forms of violence and discrimination.

This period serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing advocacy and reform to ensure a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for all.