Morocco launches program to advance gender equality in public administration

Thursday 16 October 2025 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco launches program to advance gender equality in public administration

Morocco’s Ombudsman, Hassan Tarek, has unveiled the "Towards an Administration of Equality" initiative, a national program aimed at addressing gender-based disparities in public administration. The program, announced during an institutional forum in Rabat, seeks to identify and reform discriminatory practices, ensuring women’s equitable access to public services.

The forum, themed "Towards an Administration of Equality: For Gender-Based Public Policies," brought together officials, experts, and representatives from various institutions to discuss strategies for strengthening administrative gender equality. Tarek emphasized that the initiative is grounded in public dialogue and institutional advocacy to diagnose and address gender-based discrimination in economic, social, and administrative fields.

The program also examines how equality frameworks influence public policies, local governance, budget planning, and legislative performance. Its goal is to establish a cohesive framework for institutional dialogue while mobilizing national efforts to overcome inequality.

Morocco’s progress in gender-responsive policies

Naima Ben Yahya, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, lauded Morocco’s achievements in integrating gender into public policies. She highlighted the adoption of the 2005 National Strategy for Integrating Gender and subsequent equality plans as key milestones, noting the country’s role as a regional leader in this area.

Ben Yahya stressed that these reforms go beyond government initiatives, extending to Parliament, which has enacted gender-sensitive legislation. She underscored the political will demonstrated by constitutional institutions and national bodies to ensure women’s rights are realized through concrete actions.

Social impact of the initiative

Maryam Ouchen Ennaciri, head of UN Women’s Morocco office, praised the program as a transformative effort to promote equality, fairness, and justice in public administration. She described the initiative as a cornerstone for advancing Morocco’s democratic agenda and social development model.

Participants at the forum explored the roles of constitutional institutions and elected bodies in fostering administrative gender equality. They also addressed the challenges of implementing reforms within the framework of public policies.

The program aims to create a comprehensive knowledge base that informs the Ombudsman’s annual reports and enriches public debate on gender equity. It seeks to identify discriminatory practices and propose actionable reforms to establish justice in public services. By doing so, it strengthens the institution’s role in promoting equality and advancing democratic values.