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Morocco Grapples with Pervasive Sexual Harassment: A Call for Societal Change
Recent incidents of sexual harassment in Morocco have reignited discussions about the safety of women in public spaces and the need for societal change. A shocking video from Tangier, showing a young woman being assaulted by teenagers in broad daylight, has brought the issue into sharp focus.
The incident, captured by a security camera, depicts the woman being pushed, pulled, and humiliated while bystanders remained passive. Local authorities have arrested four teens in connection with the assault, but the case remains open as they search for additional suspects.
This event is not an isolated occurrence but rather a symptom of a deeply rooted problem in Moroccan society. According to a 2019 study by Morocco's High Commissioner for Planning (HCP), one in two women in the country has experienced sexual harassment. The study revealed that 57% of women reported in-person harassment, while 14% faced cyberbullying.
The pervasiveness of this issue extends beyond the streets, seeping into educational institutions and workplaces. Universities have been rocked by "sex for grades" scandals, with professors accused of sexually harassing students. In the professional sphere, more than one in ten women report experiencing various forms of violence.
Despite the existence of laws criminalizing sexual harassment, activists argue that these measures are inadequate. The current legislation defines sexual harassment and prescribes punishments ranging from one to six months imprisonment and fines between 2,000 and 10,000 Moroccan dirhams. However, the majority of incidents go unreported, making it difficult to gauge the true extent of the problem.
Khadija Rebbah, a human rights activist and member of the Democratic Association of Moroccan Women, calls for a "radical reform" of the penal code, highlighting significant gaps in existing laws. Nabila Jalal, a lawyer and president of the Federation of Women's Rights Leagues in the Casablanca region, points out that societal perceptions and the difficulty of proving harassment often allow perpetrators to escape punishment.
The Moroccan government has taken some steps to address the issue, including the implementation of a law criminalizing violence against women in 2018 and plans for annual national campaigns to raise awareness. However, activists argue that changing men's attitudes towards women remains the biggest challenge.
As videos exposing the discomfort and fear experienced by women in Moroccan public spaces continue to circulate online, it is clear that more comprehensive action is needed. Women's rights advocates are calling for stronger enforcement of existing laws, specialized police units trained to handle sexual harassment cases, and broader societal education to challenge ingrained attitudes.
The fight against sexual harassment in Morocco is not just about legal reforms but also about fostering a culture of respect and equality. As the country grapples with this pervasive issue, the hope is that increased awareness and collective action will lead to meaningful change, allowing women to feel safe and respected in all aspects of Moroccan society.