Moroccan Women: Navigating Progress and Persevering Through Challenges Towards Equality
As we commemorate International Women's Day, we delve into the inspiring journey of Moroccan women as they navigate pathways to empowerment while confronting enduring obstacles. Their narrative is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of a more equitable society.
Throughout history, Moroccan women have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation's trajectory. From the legendary Dihiya, the Amazigh warrior queen who fiercely resisted Arab invaders in the 7th century and earned the moniker "La Kahina" for her courageous defiance, to Zaynab Nefzaouia, who orchestrated the founding of Marrakech in the 11th century, designing the city's layout and actively participating in diplomatic affairs. These pioneering figures shattered gender norms, laying the groundwork for subsequent generations of Moroccan women to challenge societal boundaries.
In the early 2000s, the reform of the Family Code (Moudawana) in 2004 stands as a watershed moment in bolstering women's legal protections. This groundbreaking legislation elevated the legal marriage age, granted women the right to divorce and child custody, and affirmed Morocco's commitment to gender equality. However, entrenched patriarchal mindsets persist, impeding women's full participation in political and decision-making roles, as noted by Moroccan lawyer and women's rights advocate, Fatiha Chtatou.
Despite Morocco boasting a high percentage of female graduates in engineering, surpassing many developed nations, only 22% of Moroccan women are engaged in the formal workforce, leaving them susceptible to unemployment and poverty. The Global Gender Gap Report ranks Morocco 180th out of 189 countries concerning women's economic participation, emphasizing the pressing need for targeted interventions to support and empower women, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances.
The prohibition of marriage between Muslim Moroccan women and non-Muslim men presents legal and social complexities, depriving children born from such unions abroad of legal recognition and protection. Civil society organizations and political parties advocate for stricter laws to combat child marriage, an urgent issue that infringes upon girls' rights and obstructs their education and personal development.
In a significant stride towards gender equality, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has mandated a new reform of the family code (Moudawana), sparking hope among women activists for an end to gender-based injustices in marriage, divorce, and inheritance laws. Moroccan women have three critical demands: the abolition of child marriage, equal guardianship rights, and equitable inheritance laws.
While the formation of an all-male reform committee has sparked concerns, Moroccan women remain optimistic that their voices will be heard, and the new reform will usher in the long-awaited equality they deserve.
Amidst these challenges, Moroccan women continue to leave their mark across various domains, from pioneering scientists like Fatima Roumate to inspirational athletes like Ghizlane Chbbak, who led the Women's Atlas Lions to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Trailblazers like Latifa Akharbach, the first woman to preside over the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication, serve as powerful examples of breaking barriers and assuming leadership roles traditionally reserved for men.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, we honor the resilience, accomplishments, and immense potential of Moroccan women. Nevertheless, we must recognize that many still confront significant challenges and discrimination, from limited access to education and economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas, to the persistence of gender-based violence. The journey towards genuine equality persists, and it is through collective efforts and unwavering determination that Moroccan women will continue to shatter glass ceilings and shape a more just and equitable society.