Parliament Should Be a Space for Competence, Not Fashion

Khadija Slassi, a former member of the Moroccan parliament and a prominent figure in the Taounate region, has recently voiced strong criticism against various media outlets and social media influencers for their emphasis on the physical appearance of young female MPs during the opening of the new legislative session on October 10, 2026. In a public video shared on her Facebook account, Slassi expressed her dismay at the media's penchant for labeling these parliamentarians as "stunning beauties" or "those who captured attention," rather than focusing on their competencies and roles within the legislative body.

Slassi, who was elected as part of the regional women's list for the Socialist Union Party in the Fes-Meknes region, argued that judging parliamentarians based on their beauty is not a compliment but rather a form of gender discrimination. She pointed out that such characterizations have been prevalent in the comments of various media outlets that covered the entry of these young female representatives into parliament. According to her, the same level of attention is not given to their male counterparts, who may also be considered handsome, highlighting an underlying bias in media representation.

Encouraging Focus on Legislative Roles Instead of Appearance

In her remarks, Slassi emphasized that the parliament should not serve as a platform for fashion or a competition based on physical beauty. She asserted that women entering the legislative institution assume the role of representatives of the nation, tasked with fulfilling their constitutional duties with integrity and transparency. While acknowledging that beauty can be viewed positively, she stressed that the primary concern for citizens and the media should be the performance and effectiveness of these women in their roles as parliamentarians.

Recalling the struggles women have faced to remove physical and biological considerations from the evaluation of their participation in public life, Slassi implored her fellow female MPs not to succumb to superficial judgments or consider them as compliments. Instead, she urged them to recognize that such perceptions diminish their value, as they should be seen as representatives of the nation first, rather than as beautiful women.

Slassi also directed her criticism at the media, calling for a shift in focus towards the tangible achievements of parliamentarians, evaluating their contributions based on their legislative and oversight roles rather than their physical appearances. She concluded her appeal by urging the preservation of the rights and gains women have fought for over the years in the name of freedom, dignity, and empowerment, stating, "Please do not undermine the achievements we have worked so hard for, in the quest for freedom and dignity, and for the advancement of women's empowerment."

As reported by taounate.net.