Morocco’s Press Union Launches Initiative to Tackle Harassment and Gender Violence

Saturday 12 October 2024 - 12:45

Doha in a significant step towards promoting a safer and more equitable media environment, the Moroccan National Press Union (SNPM) has committed to creating an internal mechanism aimed at combating harassment and gender-based violence within the media sector. This initiative emerged from two workshops held by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on October 2-3 in Casablanca.

The workshops emphasized the necessity of implementing effective mechanisms to address sexual harassment complaints within unions, highlighting the pivotal role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) 190 Convention in combating gender-based violence. They also explored strategies to enhance journalists’ working conditions, contributing to the broader project titled “Safe and Equal Media Sector for Women and Young Journalists.” This initiative strives to reinforce journalists’ rights and enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual and gender-based violence.

During the sessions, expert Mounia Hajib and lawyer Meriem Jamal Idrissi underscored the importance of the ILO 190 Convention, which is recognized as the first international treaty to affirm the right of individuals to a workplace free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence. Idrissi stated, “It is the first international treaty to recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence.”

In response to these discussions, the SNPM plans to form a dedicated committee composed of 11 union members with expertise in gender equality and press freedom. This committee, which will be chaired by a female journalist, will consist of an equal number of men and women to ensure balanced representation. Additionally, the panel will include five external experts knowledgeable in human rights, gender-based violence, and psychology, ensuring a well-rounded approach to addressing these critical issues. This structure will enable the committee to receive complaints and monitor cases effectively, coordinating with regional offices to broaden its reach across Morocco.

Beyond addressing harassment and gender-based violence, the SNPM has outlined additional priorities aimed at supporting journalists' fundamental right to access information and renewing their collective agreement for improved working conditions. SNPM President Abdelkebir Khchichine emphasized the urgency of strengthening tools and mechanisms to protect journalists’ rights within the country. He also highlighted the importance of engaging young journalists in union activities, asserting that “young union leaders play a critical role in keeping pace with the profound transformations in the media industry. Our responsibility is to ensure that trade unions are a tool to steer positive change.”

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger expressed the organization’s unwavering commitment to the SNPM’s objectives, stating, “Providing a safe working environment that upholds journalists’ professional and social rights is essential for the development of the profession and its sustainability. The fight for decent working conditions and journalists’ rights is global. Moroccan journalists can count on our full support on this front.”

As Morocco's media landscape continues to evolve, the commitment by the SNPM to combat harassment and gender-based violence marks a pivotal move towards fostering a more inclusive and secure environment for journalists, particularly women and young professionals. This initiative not only reflects a growing awareness of the challenges faced by journalists but also sets a precedent for the media sector in Morocco and beyond.