In the context of preparing for the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for September 23, 2026, Morocco is witnessing alarming warnings regarding a surge in discriminatory rhetoric that undermines the dignity of women. Notably, the "Civil Council to Combat All Forms of Discrimination" and the "Prometheus Institute for Democracy and Human Rights" have released a report highlighting this issue. The report points to recent statements made by political figures that perpetuate harmful stereotypes affecting women's rights.
A memo issued by these two organizations specifically addressed comments made by Abdelilah Benkirane, the Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party, regarding the case of Mayssa Salama Al-Naji. Benkirane's remarks, which suggested that her situation was tied to the necessity of marriage, were deemed offensive to women's dignity. Additionally, the Secretary-General of the Liberal Party, Issaq Sharia, faced criticism for his opposition to Moroccan women marrying individuals from sub-Saharan Africa, an attitude that combines gender discrimination with prejudice based on origin.
The two rights organizations asserted that such discourse from political actors contributes to normalizing discrimination and psychological violence against women, especially during an electoral phase characterized by heightened political discourse. They emphasized the responsibility of political parties and candidates to maintain a discourse that respects women's dignity and rights, aligning with constitutional principles of equality and freedom of choice, as well as Morocco's commitments in the realm of human rights.
Political science researcher Sharifa Lamouire expressed that these viewpoints are a reflection of entrenched stereotypes and preconceived notions within Moroccan society. She remarked that this constitutes a form of political violence, which extends the societal violence experienced by women. Lamouire highlighted that it is concerning for political actors to engage in such rhetoric when they should be working to enhance and correct these patterns that confine women to stereotypical roles, thereby diminishing their presence in the public sphere.
Lamouire further stated, "The belittling attitudes we are witnessing towards women are not new; however, their prominence during this electoral period only reinforces the acceptance of such discrimination within society. The political discourse should focus on genuine issues that Morocco faces as it approaches this democratic test. We must confront the patterns that devalue women's roles and societal status, as silence only normalizes these discriminatory narratives."
Najia Tazrout, the head of the "Network Against Gender Violence", echoed these concerns, asserting that the warnings are timely and necessary in an electoral context that should prioritize discussions around public policies and societal choices, rather than personal lives or stereotypes related to women. She expressed concern that some political discourses continue to define women based on traditional roles, implying that a woman's suitability for public engagement is measured by her adherence to a specific social model. This is fundamentally unacceptable from both a human rights and constitutional perspective, as women are full citizens whose political rights are not contingent upon their family status or personal choices.
Tazrout emphasized the responsibility of political discourse, especially when it emanates from parties or individuals influential in public opinion. Rhetoric that diminishes women's worth or questions their competency based on gender, or judges them for their private lives, transcends mere personal opinion. It can contribute to normalizing discrimination and symbolic violence against women, effectively excluding them from the public sphere. Addressing discriminatory language necessitates political will, and the first step is for parties to assume responsibility. Additionally, civil society and the women’s movement must remain vigilant, documenting and condemning all forms of political and digital violence against women, while working to develop mechanisms that protect women engaged in public life.
Moreover, Tazrout stated, "We do not seek preferential treatment for women; rather, we demand equitable treatment. We are not asking for women politicians to be immune from criticism, but we insist that such criticism should be directed towards their performance and programs, not their gender, family status, or private lives. Elections should be an opportunity to compete over the future of society, not to judge women based on their personal choices."
As reported by alaraby.co.uk.
