HACA advocates for equitable representation of women in Moroccan media

Wednesday 14 May 2025 - 11:50

By: Dakir Madiha

HACA advocates for equitable representation of women in Moroccan media

Morocco’s High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) has embarked on a significant initiative aimed at transforming the portrayal of women in news media. This effort underscores a growing recognition that the representation of women in Moroccan journalism has long been inadequate and requires urgent reform.

On April 29, HACA unveiled a compelling awareness video that delves into the persistent issues surrounding civic equality and democratic representation of women in Moroccan news. This video was introduced during a workshop in Rabat, marking a pivotal moment in HACA’s broader campaign to redefine how women are depicted across television, radio, and digital platforms.

The initiative raises a critical question: why do Moroccan newsrooms still grapple with the inclusion of diverse female voices? The workshop attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including members of HACA’s governing council, parliamentarians, human rights advocates, government officials, and editors from both public and private media outlets.

Discussions highlighted a shared understanding among participants that media representation is not neutral. The underrepresentation of women in news not only perpetuates outdated norms but also has far-reaching implications for democratic discourse. A media landscape that fails to reflect its audience can hardly serve the public good.

Rethinking media narratives

In his opening remarks, HACA Director General Benaissa Asloun encouraged participants to consider the media’s role in shaping public perception. He emphasized that even minor adjustments in editorial choices can catalyze significant change, especially as Morocco engages in ongoing debates regarding the reform of its Family Code.

HACA President Latifa Akharbach presented findings from the Global Media Monitoring Project, revealing alarming disparities in media representation. She pointed out that women’s voices are often marginalized in stories of political and economic significance, while men continue to dominate expert commentary.

The new awareness video is part of a long-term strategy to anchor media regulation in human rights principles. By promoting the video on social media, HACA aims to engage the public in reimagining the role of women in media.

The workshop’s atmosphere was collaborative, with a focus on building consensus rather than assigning blame. Participants acknowledged that inclusive reporting stems from awareness, intentionality, and a commitment to listening.

Barriers to representation

A significant barrier to greater representation of women in news coverage is the lack of female leadership within media organizations. With editorial positions predominantly held by men, the framing and prioritization of news stories often reflect a male perspective, limiting the representation of women’s experiences.

A 2025 study from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism and Oxford University highlights this disparity. Analyzing 240 major news outlets across twelve countries, the research found that only 27% of top editorial positions are occupied by women, despite women comprising around 40% of the journalism workforce. This trend persists among newly appointed editors, where women accounted for just 27% in 2024 and 2025—a marginal increase from previous figures.

This data underscores a disheartening global trend: men continue to dominate editorial leadership, even in regions where women represent the majority of journalists. Representation varies significantly, with only 7% in South Korea compared to 46% in the United Kingdom, highlighting entrenched dynamics within the media industry that hinder gender parity.

Despite ongoing discussions, awareness campaigns, and calls for change, the leadership gap remains pronounced. The pressing question is not whether women belong in editorial roles, but when the industry will act to rectify this imbalance.

As HACA continues its advocacy, the critical inquiry remains: how long must these discussions persist before genuine structural change is implemented? When will the inclusion of women in media transition from being a goal to becoming a norm?