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Morocco World
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
After Uproar, Benkirane Digs In on Marriage over Education Stance
Days after igniting widespread outrage with remarks urging young women to choose marriage over education, Justice and Development Party (PJD) Secretary-General Abdelilah Benkirane has responded, and not with an apology, but with defiance. In a video posted to his Facebook page, the former head of government dismissed the backlash as a smear campaign orchestrated by unnamed actors ahead of the legislative elections and insisted that his words had been twisted by political opportunists. Women's rights slammed Rather than distance himself from the polemic he sparked during a regional party meeting in Souss-Massa, Benkirane repeated his claim that delaying marriage for academic reasons amounts to a 'crime against women,' a stance that continues to provoke strong reactions across the political and civil spectrum. He made no apology, no clarification, only a repetition of his position that women should marry when asked, and worry about education later. For him, delaying marriage for academic achievement constitutes not just a mistake but a 'crime against women.' This brand of paternalism is not new to Benkirane. What shocked many this time was the bluntness of his message and the utter disregard for decades of struggle by Moroccan women to gain access to education and freedom of choice. His reference to feminist movements, local and international, dripped with scorn, as he declared he had no fear of them. Benkirane claimed to support women's education, so long as it aligns with 'shared values,' a vague and self-serving phrase that seems to mean obedience to his worldview. In reality, his comments reduce women's lives to a narrow path dictated by early marriage, as if ambition, autonomy, or timing were luxuries women could not afford. The backlash was immediate. A number of women's rights advocates issued a scathing response, denouncing the remarks as an 'insult to women,' an attack on their dignity, and a betrayal of the long history of feminist struggle in Morocco. Party tries to contain fallout Even within his own party, damage control began. The PJD's Women's Organization released a statement attempting to clean up after their party leader, lamenting what they described as 'malicious' interpretations of his words. They tried to present Benkirane's comments as a call for balance between education and family life. But balance, in his terms, seems to mean sacrificing one's future for the sake of tradition. The group claimed it initially avoided responding to what it called 'pointless controversy,' but said it decided to intervene after what it described as 'coordinated efforts to derail public debate and discredit' Benkirane. In its view, the former head of government's remarks merely reflected a 'legitimate concern' over the country's declining fertility rates, delayed age of marriage, and shifting family structures, issues the party believes require urgent national attention. The statement rejected accusations that Benkirane opposes women's education or empowerment. Instead, it argued that he called for a balance between academic success and family life. The organization framed this position as one that respects women's right to learn and work, while also encouraging them not to 'miss natural opportunities' such as marriage, particularly, it claimed, in a context where families increasingly face social instability. The organization also went on the offensive, accusing some women's rights groups of 'double standards.' It criticized what it called the 'deafening silence' of certain associations regarding what it sees as real and ongoing hardships endured by Moroccan women, especially in rural and marginalized regions. However, the organization's defense did little to address the core concern raised by many feminists, which is the attempt to dictate the priorities of Moroccan women. By insisting that marriage must take precedence over education, even temporarily, Benkirane, and by extension, his defenders, appear to impose an outdated model of womanhood. The debate has clearly moved beyond the content of a single speech and into a deeper reckoning over whose vision of womanhood will shape Morocco's future. Benkirane's nostalgia for a Morocco where women waited quietly for marriage proposals while shelving their ambitions speaks less to morality and more to fear of change, of independence, of women who no longer ask for permission. Tags: BenkiraneGender GapMoroccowomen's right
Saba Yemen
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Women's Organization in Taiz holds Commemorative Event for Ashura
Taiz - Saba: The Women's Organization in Taiz Governorate today held a commemorative event marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) through speeches and cultural activities. Participants emphasized the importance of reviving the memory of Ashura to understand the injustice suffered by Imam Hussein (pbuh) and to draw lessons and inspiration from it. Speakers highlighted aspects of the tragic events of Ashura and the oppression endured by Imam Hussein (pbuh), drawing parallels to the ongoing suffering of the people of Gaza. The event explored the historical significance and revolutionary principles behind Imam Hussein's stand against tyranny and oppression, stressing how this commemoration strengthens spiritual, emotional, and practical connection to his legacy. Speeches underscored the necessity to rally around the wise revolutionary leadership in confronting modern-day tyranny and emphasized everyone's role in supporting the Palestinian people and their valiant resistance. The ceremony included moving cultural performances honoring the significance of the occasion. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Saba Yemen
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Women's Organization in Hajjah holds events commemorating Al-Wilayah Day & solidarity stands with Gaza
Hajjah - Saba: The Women's Organization in Hajjah province organized celebratory events marking the Day of Imam Ali's (AS) Wilayah (Guardianship) and solidarity stands in support of Gaza. During the events and stands held in the districts of Shihah, Mustaba, Kashr, Al-Shahal, Aflah Al-Yemen, Aflah Al-Sham, and Kuhlan Ash-Sharaf, participants chanted slogans of loyalty to Allah, His Messenger (PBUH), and Imam Ali (AS), while disavowing the enemies of Islam. Speeches by participants emphasized that Wilayah is an extension of the Muhammadan message—a mobilizing, educational, and faith-driven milestone to emulate Imam Ali (AS), draw lessons from his life, virtues, and his role in defending Islam. They linked Yemen's suffering from aggression to its unwavering allegiance to Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and support for the oppressed. The speeches stressed the importance of adhering to divine directives and sincere loyalty to the Prophet (PBUH) and Imam Ali (AS), noting that the Muslim Ummah's current humiliation stems from following the enemies of Islam—Jews and Christians—and abandoning the Muhammadan path. Participants reaffirmed absolute commitment to the Palestinian cause as the central issue of the Islamic Ummah, which cannot be compromised. They condemned the Zionist enemy's brutal crimes against civilians in Gaza, emphasizing that these atrocities will not fade with time. A statement issued during the events declared that the principle of Wilayah is the cornerstone preserving the Ummah's dignity, independence, and unity. Abandoning it, the statement warned, leads to subjugation and violation by enemies. It highlighted the urgent need to understand Wilayah through the Quran and the Prophet's (PBUH) guidance, especially in an era of rampant corruption and deception. The statement clarified that the Declaration of Ghadeer is not merely a historical event but a divine proclamation vital to the Ummah's revival and adherence to Islam. The statement strongly condemned the Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which martyred several leaders, scholars, and Mujahideen, exposing the American-backed Zionist hatred toward free voices and noble stances in the Ummah. It affirmed that the Palestinian cause remains inseparable from the Ummah's struggles and vowed unwavering support, including continued humanitarian duty toward Palestinian women and children. The statement called on Arab and Muslim nations to fulfill their responsibilities against the genocide in Gaza, foremost by sustaining economic boycotts. Lastly, the statement renewed allegiance to the revolution leader , Sayyed Abdulmalik Badreddin Al-Houthi, declaring readiness to sacrifice everything for Al-Aqsa Mosque's liberation, regardless of consequences. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
Saba Yemen
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Women's Organization in Mahabisha holds rally under slogan: 'No Security for Zionist Entity… Gaza & Al-Aqsa under attack' in Hajjah
Hajjah - Saba: The Women's Organization in Mahabisha, Hajjah province, organized a solidarity stand in support of Al-Aqsa and the Palestinian people under the slogan 'No Security for the Zionist Entity… Gaza and Al-Aqsa Under Attack." During the rally held in Al-Shuja'a, participants condemned the genocidal crimes committed by the Zionists in Gaza and their ongoing desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque under the watch of the world. They denounced the silence of Arab and Islamic regimes and peoples in the face of the genocide and Zionist atrocities against the people of Gaza, as well as the enemy's violations against the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The rally reaffirmed its mandate to the leader of the revolution, Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badreddin Al-Houthi, to take appropriate measures in support of the valiant resistance in Gaza. A statement issued during the event renewed the pledge of allegiance to the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), declaring that the people of faith and wisdom will not remain silent in the face of repeated Jewish insults against the Noble Prophet and his holy sanctuary, Al-Aqsa. The response, it emphasized, must go beyond condemnation—calling instead for mass mobilization and readiness to confront the enemy. The statement urged the armed forces to continue military operations, missile strikes, drone attacks, and general mobilization, as well as economic boycotts of the enemies, as forms of jihad in the path of Allah. It also called on the peoples of the Ummah to take action within their means, stressing that no one is weaker or in a worse situation than Gaza, which continues to resist the most ruthless empire of evil—backed by America, the infidel West, and global Zionism—without surrender. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Saba Yemen
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Two women stand in support of Gaza & Al-Aqsa in Beit al-Faqih & Al-Marawah, Hodeida
Hodeida - Saba: The Women's Organization in Beit al-Faqih district and the Women's Sector in Al-Marawah district in Al-Hodeida province organized on Friday two women's stands in support of the Palestinian people and to affirm loyalty to the Messenger of God, Muhammad, under the slogan "No security for the entity, Gaza and Al-Aqsa are under aggression", under the slogan "No security for the entity". Participants chanted slogans emphasizing absolute support for Palestine , the resistance, and raised chants rejecting the Zionist aggression on Gaza, stressing that standing with Palestine and Al-Quds is a religious and moral duty that cannot be postponed. The speeches emphasized that Yemeni women will continue to be present in the field of position and steadfastness, in support of the great causes, especially the Palestinian cause, and loyalty to the Messenger of Allah, who represents the symbol of the nation's unity and the source of its pride. They pointed out the importance of continuing the popular and women's movement in the face of Zionist and American hegemonic projects, and enhancing awareness of the importance of alignment around the issues of the nation and Islamic sanctuaries. The participants considered that the stand of Yemeni women today is an extension of a history of steadfastness and responsible interaction with the issues of the nation, and that the Palestinian cause will remain present in the conscience of all free people, no matter how intense the conspiracies are. They praised the positions of the Yemeni people and their leadership towards what the Palestinian people are subjected to, considering that the continuous popular presence in marches and stands embodies a firm and unchanging affiliation despite the difficult circumstances. A statement issued by the two vigils called on the peoples of the nation to support the Palestinian people, continue serious action in all political, field , media tracks, and boycott the products of the Zionist enemy, as part of the comprehensive battle. The statement stressed that the support of Palestine and Al-Aqsa represents today the title of the right position, and that Yemeni women will continue to play their full role in mobilizing, supporting, and promoting resistant faith awareness in the face of all projects of normalization and subservience. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
