The Journey of Women's Representation in Morocco
In Morocco, the representation of women in elected institutions has seen a notable evolution since the historic entry of the first two female members into the House of Representatives in 1993. This transformation, while significant, still falls short of achieving the parity envisioned in Morocco's constitutional and political frameworks. The trajectory of women's representation has been on an upward trend, with the number of female deputies rising from 67 in 2011 to 81 in 2016, and reaching an impressive 96 in the aftermath of the 2021 elections. Despite this increase, women still hold only 24.3% of the total 395 seats in the House, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to bridge the gap towards true gender parity.
The results from the 2021 elections revealed that out of the 96 women elected, a substantial majority—90—were elected from regional districts, while only six emerged from local districts. This outcome reignites the discussion surrounding the effectiveness of mechanisms aimed at enhancing women's representation and their ability to compete effectively for electoral positions. As Morocco prepares for its next House of Representatives elections on September 23, 2026, with the electoral campaign commencing on September 10, the focus is on ensuring that the upcoming elections not only increase the number of women candidates but also empower them to succeed in securing decision-making roles.
Challenges Ahead for Women in Politics
Activist Aicha Lakhmass, a former parliamentarian, emphasizes that an increase in the number of women within elected bodies does not automatically facilitate their ascent to decision-making positions. She highlights the numerous political, financial, and social barriers that continue to hinder women's candidacy and success in elections. Lakhmass argues that genuine support mechanisms are essential to help women navigate the electoral landscape and overcome the financial challenges that many candidates face. She insists that the foundation for achieving decision-making roles must be built on competence and seriousness in political engagement, asserting that mere legal frameworks and electoral mechanisms are insufficient for fostering women's presence in decision-making.
Reflecting on the historical trajectory of women in Moroccan parliament, Lakhmass notes that the legislative institution remained largely devoid of female representation until the 1993 elections, which marked the beginning of a gradual yet significant shift. The current representation of women is a testament to decades of struggle and advocacy by the women's movement, but Lakhmass raises critical questions about the effectiveness of these efforts in achieving substantial outcomes. She advocates for a dual approach that combines legal reforms with a strong sense of solidarity among women, particularly among activists and civil society members, to enhance their representation in decision-making spaces.
As the elections draw near, Lakhmass extends a heartfelt message to aspiring female candidates, urging them to seize the opportunity to serve their country and participate actively in the legislative process. She emphasizes the importance of credible electoral practices and the need for women to assert their presence not only on national but also regional and provincial electoral lists, thereby increasing their chances of securing parliamentary seats. Given that women constitute 50.1% of Morocco's population, it is crucial that their voices are heard and represented in decision-making processes. The upcoming elections in September 2026 will serve as a critical juncture to assess whether Morocco can transition from merely increasing the number of women in its parliament to empowering them in substantive ways that influence policy and governance.
As reported by jinhaagency.com.
