Unfinished Progress: The State of Female Empowerment in Morocco

In 2022, Morocco ranked 136th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Ranking, a stark reminder of the challenges facing female empowerment in the nation. This ranking reflects a blend of systemic issues that hinder women's progress, despite significant strides made over the years.

In a poignant speech delivered on August 20, 1999, King Mohammed VI posed a crucial question: How can society thrive if the interests of women—who comprise nearly half of the population—are overlooked? This inquiry underscores the dual realities of high-level commitments to enhancing women's rights and the persistent injustices they face.

Current Landscape of Women's Empowerment

Moroccan women today are increasingly capable of competing with men in education and the workforce. However, despite these advancements, a significant gender disparity remains. Factors contributing to this disparity include political disinterest in women's issues, entrenched inequalities in poverty and employment, and widespread violence against women.

A recent study by the Moroccan Organization for Family Justice revealed alarming statistics: 86.32% of women have never run for office, and only 8.49% are affiliated with political parties. In the latest elections of 2021, women constituted 24% of parliamentary deputies and 38.5% of regional council members, yet they represented a striking 54% of total votes cast, primarily for male candidates. This indicates a troubling trend of female votes not translating into female representation.

Progress Made and Challenges Ahead

While there have been notable advancements in women's rights, such as constitutional guarantees of equality and ratification of international conventions like CEDAW, the actual political representation of women in Morocco lags behind global averages. The gap between theoretical commitments and practical implementation remains significant.

Several barriers hinder women's political engagement:

- Perception of Politics: Many women view politics as intimidating and believe it is better to abstain.

- Lack of Confidence: A widespread lack of confidence in their political capabilities prevents women from participating in public affairs.

- Exclusion from Electoral Lists: Women often find themselves excluded from electoral lists or placed in positions unlikely to garner votes.

- Funding Challenges: Access to financial resources is crucial for electoral success, yet many women face significant hurdles in this area.

- Cultural Norms: Traditional gender roles persist, with societal expectations often confining women to domestic responsibilities.

- Media Representation: Stereotypes in media reinforce the notion of women as politically inept, discouraging ambition.

- Family Dynamics: The empowerment of women within the family structure directly influences their political participation.

The recent election of the President and Executive Bureau of the House of Counsellors, which saw no women elected, starkly illustrates the gap between constitutional principles and reality.

A Call for Collective Action

To foster genuine empowerment, a cultural shift towards democracy and equality is necessary. Young women should receive education in political and human rights to equip them for participation in governance. Their involvement in public affairs is essential for shaping policies and driving national development.

In the economic sphere, while women have made inroads—evidenced by the appointment of female ministers—their representation in senior roles remains low. Women hold 19.86% of ministerial positions and earn 20% less than their male counterparts. The unemployment rate for women exceeds that of men, with domestic responsibilities cited as a primary barrier to employment.

Final Reflections

Although Morocco has made strides in women's rights, significant challenges remain. It is imperative to address these issues to enhance women's roles in political and decision-making positions. This effort is essential not only for promoting rights but also for driving societal development and economic growth. Increased female participation can positively impact GDP and help reduce corruption, as studies show that women tend to prioritize ethical governance and the public good. Empowering women in all facets of life is crucial for building a more equitable and prosperous society.