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Morocco Intensifies Fight Against Gender Violence with $2.6 Million Support Initiative
Morocco is taking significant steps to strengthen its legal framework for combating violence against women, with Minister of Solidarity Naima Ben Yahya leading comprehensive reform efforts. In a recent address to the House of Representatives, Ben Yahya outlined several key initiatives designed to protect and support women facing violence.
The ministry has allocated MAD 26 million ($2.6 million) in 2024 to fund women's shelters and support services. This investment includes funding for 79 projects providing essential guidance and listening services for victims of violence. To ensure consistent quality of care, the ministry has introduced a "Reference Guide for Assisting Women Victims of Violence in Multi-Function Women's Centers," establishing clear standards for service delivery.
A major component of Morocco's strategy includes the 22nd National Campaign to Stop Violence Against Women and Girls, which ran from November 25 to December 18, 2024. The campaign, focusing on promoting non-violent family environments, engaged over 150,000 participants across more than 1,550 activities nationwide. Ben Yahya emphasized that the campaign's goal was not to create gender divisions but to unite society against unacceptable violent behaviors.
The minister highlighted the importance of addressing cultural stereotypes, stressing that meaningful change requires collective action. The ministry's approach aligns with constitutional principles aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and follows royal directives focused on improving women's status in society.
Despite these advances, challenges remain in achieving full gender equality in Morocco. While legal reforms and awareness campaigns have yielded positive results, deeply rooted cultural norms continue to present obstacles. Women still face significant barriers in accessing justice and overcoming societal expectations, indicating that the journey toward complete gender equality requires sustained effort and commitment.
The ministry's comprehensive approach, combining legal reform, financial support, and public awareness campaigns, represents a significant step forward in Morocco's ongoing effort to protect women's rights and combat gender-based violence. However, as Ben Yahya acknowledges, achieving lasting change will require continued dedication to challenging discriminatory practices and fostering a more equitable society.
