Unlocking economic potential: rural women's role in Morocco's growth

The potential economic contribution of rural women in Morocco is immense, with estimates indicating that their inclusion could generate MAD 25.3 billion (approximately $2.53 billion), roughly 2.2% of the nation’s GDP. This assertion was made by High Commissioner for Planning, Chakib Benmoussa, during a recent conference focused on "Women’s empowerment in Morocco: understanding challenges for better action" held in Rabat.

Barriers to economic participation

Benmoussa highlighted the significant obstacles faced by women in rural areas, which include unpaid employment, limited access to health and education, and challenges in securing property and financing. The conference, organized by the High Commission for Planning (HCP) in collaboration with UN Women and supported by the European Union delegation, delved into findings from three comprehensive studies on women’s empowerment and labor market integration.

The first study outlined essential measures and social changes necessary to enhance women's participation in the labor market. It emphasized the need to address wage gaps, recognize unpaid labor, and bolster sectors with high female employment.

Insights into rural women's economic contribution

The second study specifically analyzed the economic participation of rural women, revealing their potential remains largely untapped. The findings call attention to the urgent need for targeted interventions to harness this underexploited resource.

Addressing gender inequalities

The third study examined gender disparities through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), utilizing data from the 2022 National Household Living Standards Survey. It focused on critical areas such as land rights, economic resources, and reproductive health, aiming to illuminate gaps that hinder women's economic advancement.

Benmoussa noted that the New Development Model (NDM) regards gender equality as both a matter of equity and a catalyst for growth. These principles align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 5, which seeks to eliminate discrimination against women and ensure their full participation in all spheres of life.

Current landscape and future directions

Statistics from the 2024 General Population and Housing Census reflect a mixed status for Moroccan women, with a labor market participation rate of 19.1%. Daniele Dotto, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Morocco, pointed out that recent assessments, including the African Women’s Inclusion Index (AWII) 2025, rank Morocco 32nd out of 42 African nations, highlighting significant room for improvement in both financial and economic inclusion.

The conference served as a crucial platform to discuss future data needs, with insights expected to inform upcoming surveys, including the national family survey and the time budget survey for 2025–2026. These efforts aim to deepen understanding of gender dynamics and help shape public policies that foster a more inclusive labor market.

Myriem Noussairi, UN Women Representative in Morocco, emphasized the importance of women's economic empowerment, stating it is vital for their full contribution to the national economy and for promoting sustainable and equitable growth within families and communities.