Latest news with #Moudawana
Morocco World
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Scholars Envision the Future of Morocco's Moudawana in Fez
Rabat – Legal scholars, policymakers, and civil society representatives will convene at the Private University of Fez (UPF) on Saturday, April 12, for a pivotal conference on the Moroccan family code. Hosted by the Higher Institute of Political and Legal Sciences, the event aims to spark critical discussions on the future of Morocco's Family Code and its adaptation to the country's evolving social and legal landscape. The highly anticipated conference will take place at the 'Professor Rachid Yazami Conference Hall' on the UPF campus, and will be led by Professor Mohammed Jamal Maatouk, a renowned law professor and legal advisor known for his insightful analyses on legislative reforms. A diverse audience, including Judges, lawyers, legal scholars, researchers, journalists, and students, as well as activists working on family justice and gender equality will notably gather to discuss the theme What Family Code Do We Dream Of? Also encouraging the attendance of members of the public to take part in this critical dialogue, the conference seeks to hold space for new perspectives on legislative modernization while respecting Morocco's legal traditions. Introduced in 2004, the Moroccan Family Code, or Moudawana, underwent significant reforms in December 2024. But discussions on further amendments continue as scholars and activists argue that certain aspects of the law should be updated to reflect new social realities, gender dynamics, and international legal frameworks. Professor Maatouk is expected to address the legislation's potential evolution in response to societal changes, legal advancements, and institutional reforms in Morocco. Tags: Moroccan Family CodemoudawanaPrivate University of Fez
Morocco World
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Who is Rahma Bourqia, New Head of Morocco's Higher Council for Education?
Rabat – King Mohammed VI today appointed Rahma Bourqia as the President of the Higher Council for Education, Training, and Scientific Research. Born in 1949 in Khemisset, Bourqia is a well-known Moroccan academic and sociologist. She holds a doctorate in sociology from the University of Manchester in the UK and is a professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat. She previously made history as the first woman to serve as the president of a Moroccan university, leading Hassan II University in Mohammedia. She was also the first woman to become a member of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco. Bourqia has held several important positions in education and research. She was the director of the National Evaluation Authority at the Higher Education Council and a member of the National Committee for Program Accreditation and Evaluation at the Ministry of Higher Education. She also served on the advisory committee for the revision of the Moroccan family code, known as the Moudawana. As a researcher, Bourqia has contributed significantly to the study of Moroccan society. She has published many articles and books in Arabic, French, and English about Morocco's history and culture, such as 'The State, Power and Society' and other feminist essays. She has also worked as a visiting professor and lecturer at universities in the United States, Europe, and the Arab world. Bourqia was also recognized with an honorary degree honoris causa from Indiana State university in the USA in 2006, from Liege University in Belgium and from Université Paris Ouest Nanterre in France in 2010. In addition to her academic work, Bourqia is an advisor to several international organizations and has coordinated research programs in Morocco and abroad. Her appointment as head of the Higher Council for Education reflects her long-standing contributions to Moroccan education and research. Tags: appointmentEducationKing Mohammed VI
Morocco World
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
CNDH Chief Shares Morocco's Human Rights, Gender Reforms with UK Parliament
Rabat – Amina Bouayach, President of Morocco's National Human Rights Council (CNDH), outlined the country's comprehensive approach to human rights and gender reform over the past two and a half decades during a session at the UK Parliament on Monday. In her remarks, Bouayach explained Morocco's unique path to progress, with a focus on key principles that have guided major reforms in various areas of governance, law, and gender equality. She explained that the country's human rights strategy is built on three main pillars: consensus, innovation, and participation. These values have shaped the country's legal and institutional transformations, from its efforts in transitional justice to constitutional amendments that enshrine universal rights and freedoms, she said. She also recalled significant reforms, such as the 2004 Family Code and its ongoing revision that started in September 2023, saying it reflects a commitment to continuous improvement in gender equality. Bouayach said that the code was a historical turning point for women's rights in the region, adding that it was made possible by the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI. As for the ongoing review of the Moudawana, which aims to address existing challenges and promote further gender equality, it is set to introduce other significant reforms, such as constitutional guarantees of gender equality, anti-violence laws, and women's growing participation in politics, CNDH president added. At the core of Morocco's reform model, according to Bouayach, is the alignment of the state and society in a dynamic, continuous dialogue. She said that the country's success lies in a participatory process, where all stakeholders, across Morocco's 12 regions, are involved in creating solutions that are deeply rooted in the social and cultural fabric of the country. Bouayach pointed out that instead of seeking quick fixes, Morocco prioritizes consensus-building among all parties by creating solutions tailored to its national context. Innovation is also a central element to ensure that reforms meet the unique needs of Morocco's people, she said. The role of digital expression Bouayach also spoke about the evolving nature of freedom of expression in the digital era. In her address, she noted the expansion of online freedoms in Morocco, especially with over 38 million internet subscriptions and millions of social media accounts. The shift to digital platforms has allowed greater public engagement and discussion, particularly concerning human rights, she said. However, it has also raised new challenges related to regulating content without infringing on freedom of expression. In this respect, she noted the need for a balanced approach that protects human rights in the digital space and ensures that freedom of expression does not come at the cost of other fundamental rights. Bouayach added it is important to follow international human rights frameworks, such as Articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to guide this process. Despite the progress made, Bouayach acknowledged that Morocco still faces challenges in its human rights journey. She stated that the ultimate goal is to ensure the full realization of the constitutional guarantees of rights and freedoms and turn them into a tangible reality for all Moroccans. The reform process, the CNDH head concluded, is not merely a political choice but an ethical duty aimed at achieving sustainable development and social cohesion.
Morocco World
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Recalls Efforts to Improve Women's Economic Empowerment at UN Forum
Rabat – Morocco's Minister of Solidarity, Naima Ben Yahia, led a discussion at the United Nations in New York on women's economic empowerment and their role in development. Organized with Saudi Arabia and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the event took place during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). Ben Yahia outlined Morocco's efforts over the past two decades to advance gender equality through legislative and social reforms. She also recalled the role of the 2011 constitution in ensuring equal rights and underlined state programs that work on expanding social protection and promoting women's access to employment and entrepreneurship. The minister also touted the National Initiative for Human´s (INDH) role in supporting income-generating projects and vocational training. UNFPA representative Mireille Sander commended Morocco's work in advancing women's inclusion, while Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon of the International Labour Organization (ILO) acknowledged progress in promoting decent work for women. Moroccan lawmaker Latifa Cherif noted Parliament's role in gender parity efforts, referencing legislative initiatives on equality and protections against violence. The event gathered high-level participants, including Senegalese Minister Maimouna Dieye, Saudi Shura Council member Al Jawhara Bint Fahd Al Saud, and representatives from UN agencies and international organizations. Ben Yahia also participated in ministerial meetings on social protection and gender equality in the Arab world, holding talks with UN officials and government representatives, including CEDAW Chair Nahla Haydar and British Minister for Equality Seema Malhotra. Morocco has been working to improve women's rights, mostly via legal reforms and social initiatives. The Family Code (Moudawana), amended in 2004, granted women better rights in marriage, divorce, and child custody, but gaps persist in areas like inheritance, guardianship, and legal enforcement. The government has launched a new effort to revise the Moudawana to further strengthen women's rights and address lingering inequalities. While progress is evident in education, political representation, and economic inclusion, challenges remain, including disparities in labor force participation, persistent social norms, and difficulties in accessing justice for women facing discrimination or violence.
