The article published by yabiladi.com sheds light on the contentious issue of inheritance in Morocco, aptly titled 'When Inequality Becomes Tradition.' It ignites a public debate surrounding this topic, particularly in the context of the ongoing reform of the Family Code, which has rekindled a long-standing discussion regarding gender equality in the distribution of assets.
The report references an opinion survey that captures the views of Moroccan youth on inheritance matters, revealing that a striking 77% oppose equal succession rights for men and women. Alarmingly, this sentiment is echoed by a significant majority of women, with 75% also against the notion of equality in inheritance laws.
Tradition appears to be selectively applied in these discussions. The article notes that when it comes to familial relationships and the dynamics between men and women, religious references are often invoked as immutable principles. In many societies, women have historically been viewed as disruptors of familial wealth, as upon marriage, they are expected to integrate into another family, potentially contributing to the dispersion of assets.
To curb this fragmentation, inheritance systems have long favored male heirs, who are seen as custodians of the family's continuity. According to the 'Mudawana' of 2004, inheritance in Morocco is governed by 'sharia,' which stipulates that a sister inherits half of what her brothers receive. The Moroccan Family Code adheres to this principle through a complex quota system that delineates the shares each family member inherits based on their relationship to the deceased.
In addition to this general principle, the rule of 'taasib' comes into play, allowing for male relatives closest to the deceased to inherit in the absence of male children. Consequently, if no male offspring exist, a substantial portion of the inheritance is allocated to the nearest male relatives, such as uncles and cousins, further entrenching gender disparity in inheritance practices.
As reported by elfarodeceuta.es.
