Where we work
Morocco
WHY WE WORK IN MOROCCO
Gender inequality is currently on the legal agenda in Morocco.
In 2023, reform of the Mudawana, or the family law is underway after a July 2022 speech from King Mohammed VI. He declared that it was time for the responsible institutions in Morocco to recognise the rights of women to equally participate in the development of society.
In 2021, the female labour force participation rate in Morocco was approximately 25.9%, significantly lower than the male participation rate. Similarly, women’s political participation in Morocco faces considerable challenges.
While specific data on political engagement may vary, a study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) found that women’s representation in parliament stood at around 21.8% in 2021. This indicates a relatively low level of political participation, with women being underrepresented in decision-making processes. Such limited political engagement can hinder the advancement of gender equality and the effective inclusion of women’s voices in policy-making.
WORKING FOR GENDER JUSTICE INTERNATIONALLY
In addition to Morocco, KVINFO works for Gender Equality in Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Ukraine and Georgia in the current strategy period.
Click on one of the countries above to read more about our work.
Regrettably, gender-based violence remains a pressing issue in Morocco. According to a report by the Moroccan Ministry of Family, Solidarity, Equality, and Social Development, more than half of Moroccan women have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime. In 2018, legislation intended to protect women against violence was accepted in parliament, but since its launch, criticism for gaps have been raised by women’s rights organisations for not including marital rape, and for being poorly implemented.
Thus, support and protection for GBV survivors is not in place as instigated by the law. Morocco’s Penal Code includes reference to digital violence as a form of gender-based violence but because of a lack of understanding and knowledge, recognition and prosecution are a challenge.
WHAT WE DO
KVINFO aims to contribute to the dialogue initiated within civil society about how to work together despite diverse perspectives on family- and individual rights, as a step towards supporting gender just law reform.
Examples of the types of issues we work on with partners include:
• prevention of child, early and forced marriage
• awareness raising on GBV and gender stereotypes
• knowledge production and advocacy on women’s participation in political and civic life
• youth inclusion in feminist debate and in civic life
• dialogue with duty bearers on gender just legal reform
WHO WE WORK WITH
In Morocco, KVINFO works with two types of organisations.
The first type are big membership-based women’s rights organisations with broad outreach, well-established networks, and contacts with national politicians and other duty bearers.
The second type of organisations are small, often relatively newly established and specialised organisations. They are issue-based, more agile and innovative, and develop, apply and adapt new methodologies. They are often localised with smaller reach but have the potential to scale up.
