Concerns Over Discriminatory Rhetoric in Morocco's Electoral Landscape
In Morocco, there are growing warnings regarding the increase of discriminatory discourses that are deemed offensive to women's dignity in the context of the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for September 23. Notably, the "Civil Council to Combat All Forms of Discrimination" and the "Prometheus Institute for Democracy and Human Rights" released a report highlighting this issue after documenting statements from political figures in recent weeks that perpetuate stereotypes undermining women's rights. The report specifically critiques comments made by Abdelilah Benkirane, the Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party, regarding women's roles, particularly referencing the case of Maysa Salama Al-Naji and suggesting that her situation is tied to the need for marriage, which the report asserts is an affront to women's dignity. Furthermore, it points to remarks made by Iskander Sharia, the Secretary-General of the Liberal Party, who expressed disapproval of Moroccan women marrying individuals from sub-Saharan Africa, arguing that such views combine discrimination based on gender and origin.
The report from these human rights organizations emphasizes that the emergence of such rhetoric from political actors contributes to normalizing discrimination and moral violence against women, especially during an election period characterized by heightened political discourse. They urge political parties and candidates to adhere to a discourse that respects women's dignity and rights, recalling the constitutional principles of equality and freedom of choice, alongside Morocco's commitments to human rights.
Political Implications and Societal Perceptions
Political science researcher Sharifa Lamouir argues that these attitudes stem from deeply ingrained stereotypes and preconceived notions within Moroccan society. She describes the rhetoric as a form of political violence, extending the societal violence that women face. Lamouir asserts that it is particularly alarming for political actors to engage in such behavior when they should be working to enhance and rectify these damaging stereotypes that marginalize women and diminish their presence in public life. According to her, the contemptuous portrayals of women we are witnessing today are not novel; however, their blatant inclusion in this electoral phase only serves to legitimize such discrimination to the extent that it becomes socially acceptable. The political discourse should focus on genuine issues pertinent to the upcoming democratic test, rather than perpetuating narratives that belittle women's roles and societal standing. Silence on this issue equates to normalizing these discriminatory discourses.
Najia Tazrout, the head of the "Network Against Gender Violence," echoes these concerns, emphasizing that the warning is not only timely but essential in an electoral context that should prioritize discussions on public policies and societal choices rather than women's private lives or the stereotypes associated with them. The troubling aspect is that some political discourses continue to view women through the lens of traditional roles, implying that a woman's eligibility to participate in public affairs is measured by how well her personal choices align with a certain social model. This perspective is legally and constitutionally unacceptable, as women are full citizens, and their political rights should not be contingent upon their familial status or personal life choices. Tazrout insists that political discourse carries responsibility, especially when articulated by parties or figures influential in public opinion. Statements that undermine women or question their capabilities based on gender, or that judge them for their private lives, transcend mere personal opinion and can foster the normalization of discrimination and symbolic violence against women, thereby excluding them from the public sphere.
She further notes that combating discriminatory rhetoric requires political will, with the first step being for parties to take responsibility for their words. Civil society and the women's movement must remain vigilant, documenting and condemning all forms of political and digital violence against women while striving to develop mechanisms to protect women participating in public life. Tazrout insists that the goal is not to demand preferential treatment for women but to advocate for equitable treatment. There is no call for immunity for female politicians from criticism, but rather a demand that criticism be directed at their performance and policies, not their gender, family status, or personal lives. Elections should serve as an opportunity to compete for the future of society, rather than to judge women based on their personal choices.
As reported by alaraby.co.uk.
