Morocco's family code reforms: Balancing tradition with women's empowerment

Morocco's ongoing reform of its family code (Moudawana) marks a significant evolution in the nation's approach to marriage, divorce, and women's rights. The latest proposed changes, unveiled in December 2024, seek to build upon the groundbreaking 2004 reforms while addressing contemporary social dynamics.

The 2004 Moudawana introduced substantial changes to family law, including judicial supervision of divorce by mutual consent and modifications to inheritance laws benefiting wives, daughters, and widowers. While polygamy wasn't abolished, it became subject to strict judicial oversight and required proof of necessity.

Current reform proposals include several key provisions: granting mothers legal guardianship of children, recognizing wives' domestic work contributions to marital property, and establishing shared legal guardianship of minors between parents during and after marriage. These proposals emerged from two years of administrative, judicial, and religious consultations, incorporating the concept of "ijtihad" - a process of legal reasoning for complex religious and moral questions.

The reforms reflect Morocco's changing social landscape. Over the past two decades, the country has seen significant demographic and educational shifts. The population has grown by eight million, literacy rates have increased from 52% to 76%, and women now represent more than half of higher education enrollment. Additionally, women comprise one-quarter of Morocco's parliament.

A 2017 UN Women survey revealed evolving attitudes toward gender roles. While 80% of men and 93% of women supported equal pay, only 5% of men agreed with equal inheritance rights. This disparity highlights the ongoing challenge of reconciling progressive reforms with traditional values.

The Commission for the Revision of the Family Code faces the complex task of modernizing family law while respecting Islamic principles and Moroccan traditions. Some opposition exists, with critics arguing that certain changes could undermine traditional family structures. However, societal trends such as declining birth rates, smaller families, and increasing dual-income households continue to drive reform momentum.

The proposed changes aim to address persistent challenges, including intimate partner violence. A recent national survey indicated that 54% of fiancées and 52% of married women have experienced violence. However, progress in women's advancement is evident in various sectors, from academic achievement to corporate leadership, where new laws mandate 40% female representation on public company boards by 2027.

These reforms represent Morocco's ongoing effort to strengthen families and promote women's empowerment while maintaining cultural authenticity.