Women's Association Calls for Urgent Action on Gender Inequality
On the occasion of International Women's Rights Day, themed "Rights, Justice, and Work for All Women and Girls," the Democratic Association of Moroccan Women has raised alarm over the persistent gender gap, revealing that women worldwide only enjoy 64% of the legal rights granted to men. The association linked this global statistic to the local context, expressing concerns that the proclaimed slogan of a "social state" remains devoid of any concrete measures aimed at empowering women and advancing their strategic rights. In its analysis of the current situation, the association noted that the adoption of the "development model report" has failed to liberate policies from a male-centric perspective, which has been reflected in the reform initiatives that have not successfully integrated women's rights into their core vision and assessments. The association attributed the weak indicators regarding direct services for women to the gap between the declared intentions outlined in the National Equality Strategy (2012-2026) and the daily realities faced by Moroccan women.
From a legislative standpoint, the organization observed a continued entrenchment of discrimination in ratified laws, shining a spotlight on deficiencies in the Criminal Procedure Code that lacks protections for victims, as well as the Law on Combating Violence Against Women (103-13), which overlooks the internationally agreed-upon concept of "due diligence." Furthermore, the absence of a gender-sensitive approach in labor law and the public service system was criticized, alongside the ineffective implementation of human trafficking legislation aimed at protecting women and girls from exploitation. The association also pointed out that the education law lacks provisions to combat stereotypes, safeguard girls from violence, or ensure gender parity.
Regarding the draft laws currently in preparation, the association expressed concern over the ongoing hesitation to incorporate gender equality considerations, noting the stagnation of the penal code for over a decade. They questioned the true purpose of the family code reform discussions in light of these issues. As the date for legislative elections approaches, the Democratic Association of Moroccan Women reiterated its demands to reject legal amendments that do not align with the socioeconomic transformations affecting families. They called for the establishment of an institutional mechanism for a comprehensive review of laws to ensure compliance with the constitution and international obligations, alongside the issuance of a framework law on equality and a specific law to combat all forms of discrimination that guarantees protection and reparations. Additionally, the calls included a review of the Gender Equality Commission law to ensure its independence, the development of a national equality strategy, and the implementation of gender parity in jobs and electoral positions while addressing political violence through a genuine participatory approach.
The association concluded its statement by expressing solidarity with women worldwide, particularly those facing the devastations of war and genocide, sending a clear message that the path to equality can no longer be delayed and that women's rights cannot remain confined to a "waiting room."
As reported by assabah.ma.
