The Alarming NEET Statistics in Morocco
In Morocco, the staggering figure of 2.9 million young individuals aged 15 to 29 are classified as NEET, which stands for 'Not in Employment, Education, or Training.' This demographic is particularly concerning as it comprises a significant 72% of women and girls, according to a recent report published by the High Commission for Planning (HCP), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Union (EU). The report sheds light on the complexities surrounding the lives of these young people, many of whom find themselves on the brink of despair, as they navigate a challenging landscape devoid of opportunities.
The analytical report provides a detailed statistical profile of NEETs in Morocco, revealing that a considerable portion of this population lacks any qualifying diplomas—almost three-quarters of them. Furthermore, nearly half of these individuals fall within the 25 to 29 age bracket, an essential transitional phase from education to meaningful employment. This data underscores the formidable barriers that young people encounter when attempting to enter the labor market, which has been a persistent issue in the country.
Challenges and Implications of High NEET Rates
Produced through extensive national employment surveys, the HCP's report aims to enhance the understanding of the profiles and trajectories of NEET individuals. It uncovers significant regional disparities, with NEET rates varying dramatically across different areas, ranging from 28% to an alarming 40%. Rural regions exhibit a higher prevalence of NEETs compared to their urban counterparts, highlighting the urgent need for tailored responses that reflect local realities. The HCP emphasizes the importance of utilizing national statistics to inform public policy, particularly regarding youth-focused employment strategies.
As of 2023, the NEET rate in Morocco stands at 33.6%, a figure that reflects a troubling persistence even amid economic recovery efforts. The report identifies this issue as central to the priorities of the New Development Model and emphasizes the need to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 8.6, which aims to reduce the percentage of young NEETs. Through econometric analysis, it becomes evident that higher educational attainment serves as a primary barrier against inactivity, particularly for young women. However, a paradox emerges as the report notes that those actively seeking work—predominantly men—may find that having a diploma, particularly from vocational training, can actually increase their risk of long-term unemployment. This disparity highlights a significant disconnect between educational outcomes and labor market demands, creating a precarious job search environment for many.
Additionally, the report indicates that the risk of being NEET escalates significantly after the age of 24, with rates increasing from 25.6% among those aged 15 to 24 to a staggering 50.2% in the 25 to 29 age range. This demographic shift illustrates a critical tipping point where young individuals transition from education to employment, exacerbated by factors such as marriage and the presence of young children, which disproportionately affect young women.
Sociologist Hakima Laala, affiliated with Hassan II University in Casablanca, attributes these distressing statistics to a broader societal issue characterized by a lack of life capital. In her analysis, she points to the detrimental effects of dysfunctional family environments and societal conditions that contribute to violence and dropout rates among youth. Laala describes a troubling cycle in which minors exposed to violence at home often leave, only to encounter and perpetuate violence in their communities, ultimately leading to incarceration and disengagement from societal participation.
Laala's observations challenge the narrative surrounding vulnerable families, instead categorizing them as dysfunctional households that perpetuate various forms of violence, hindering children's development. She stresses that the combination of poverty, precarious living conditions, and insufficient parental support significantly limits opportunities for proper growth and education. Furthermore, violence within educational institutions further exacerbates dropout rates, creating a 'multiplier effect' that reinforces social exclusion.
In questioning societal norms, Laala highlights the troubling acceptance of violence as a valid educational tool and advocates for a reevaluation of public policies aimed at supporting young people. The entrenched dynamics of violence and neglect lead to the emergence of a 'zero-capital category' of youth, who are deprived of the necessary resources to build a promising future. Ultimately, Laala paints a grim picture of a lost generation, where a pervasive sense of hopelessness and limited prospects can lead to the cyclical reproduction of adverse conditions for future generations.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
