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Recognizing unpaid domestic work: Morocco's Justice Ministry sparks international debate

Recognizing unpaid domestic work: Morocco's Justice Ministry sparks international debate
Tuesday 15 - 14:30 By: Dakir Madiha
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The Ministry of Justice has convened an international seminar focused on the recognition and valuation of unpaid domestic work in divorce cases—an essential step in the reform of the Family Code.

In collaboration with the European Union and the Council of Europe, the seminar took place on April 15, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in Rabat. Titled "Recognition and Valuation of Unpaid Domestic Work in Divorce Cases – Comparative Experiences," this high-level meeting aligns with Morocco's ongoing structural reforms aimed at enhancing justice, equity, and dignity within the family unit. These reforms, initiated under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, emphasize the protection of women's and children's rights while promoting economic equality between genders.

The opening session featured a speech delivered on behalf of the Minister of Justice, Mr. Abdellatif Ouahbi, by Ms. Rima Lablaili, Director of Cooperation and Communication at the Ministry.

In her address, Ms. Lablaili underscored the importance of legally recognizing domestic work—primarily performed by women—as a fundamental lever for achieving equitable family justice, particularly during the dissolution of marital ties. She noted that, despite recent advancements, the current Family Code remains imperfect, especially regarding Article 49, which pertains to the property regime of spouses. The proposed reform aims to acknowledge non-financial contributions within the couple, recognizing domestic work as a legitimate economic input to be considered in asset division and post-divorce compensation.

The seminar brought together a multitude of experts, judges, and academics from several European countries, including France, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, and Ireland. Speakers presented the legal frameworks and judicial practices adopted in their respective systems to incorporate the value of domestic work into the distribution of marital assets or the granting of compensatory payments.

Among the examples discussed was the Spanish provision (Article 1438 of the Civil Code) that allows for financial compensation for the spouse who has contributed through domestic work, the French approach based on equity, and the Swiss and Belgian experiences that emphasize solidarity and fair distribution of the couple's burdens and assets.

This seminar has enriched the national debate, providing comparative insights while reaffirming Morocco's openness to international best practices, all within the framework of its legislative sovereignty and commitment to the values of equality, social justice, and human dignity. It represents a clear intention to establish the family as a space of balanced, supportive, and just partnership.

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