Morocco advances gender equality initiatives at UN forum

Minister of Solidarity Naima Ben Yahia highlighted Morocco's efforts to enhance gender equality and empower women during a ministerial roundtable held in New York. This discussion was part of the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which this year reflects on progress made since the Beijing Declaration of 1995.

Ben Yahia emphasized the establishment of the Authority for Parity and the Fight Against All Forms of Discrimination (APALD). This independent body serves to advise both the government and parliament on gender equality policies, ensuring that equality remains a fundamental principle across education, training, media, and cultural sectors. APALD is also tasked with monitoring discrimination against women and assisting public and private institutions in implementing fair policies.

The minister noted the crucial role of her ministry in coordinating legislation and public policies aimed at gender equality. The ministry is committed to continually developing public action plans to address gender disparities and to challenge stereotypes that hinder the opportunities available to women and girls.

To strengthen oversight, Morocco has established a national committee dedicated to gender equality and women's empowerment. This committee, chaired by the head of government, collaborates with representatives from civil society, the private sector, and national institutions.

The discussions in this year's UN Commission focus on the commitments outlined in the Beijing Declaration, which identified priorities across twelve key areas, including poverty eradication, education, health care, violence prevention, economic inclusion, and political representation.

Countries are also urged to confront the challenges that impede full gender equality, while exploring strategies to hasten progress toward the UN's 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Gradual legal reforms and institutional mechanisms have been implemented in Morocco to support women’s rights and foster lasting change. However, despite these developments, significant gaps persist. Many Moroccan women continue to experience daily realities that fall short of the aspirations described in national policies and strategies. There remains a disconnect between legal protections and tangible improvements in women's lives, hindered by cultural and economic obstacles.

While there is evident political commitment to advancing women's rights in Morocco, the journey is fraught with difficulties. This situation is not confined to Morocco; the broader global discourse on gender equality has lingered for decades, yet effective solutions often remain theoretical. Although governments and international bodies propose policies and frameworks, substantial transformative change remains elusive.

Globally, women encounter systemic barriers that impede progress. When advancements do occur, they lag significantly behind initial expectations. The disparity between commitments and actionable outcomes reveals the limitations of current methodologies, prompting many to question whether the world is truly prepared to confront gender inequality in a manner that guarantees enduring change.