Gender equality in Morocco
Historically, women in Morocco have not been treated equal to men.The traditional society has been patriarchal and male dominated but less demeaning. Women had little control over the choice of husband and once married, had no financial in Morocco Continues.
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In the present day, Women are still behind men when it comes to opportunities in health, education, and professional and political empowerment. In modern society, a greater number of women are defending their rights, following years of violence, rape, inequality and family moral code. Organizations are emerging to support women in the hope that laws will eventually start to change to protect women's rights, although there may be difficulties in enforcement amongst the male population. The political spectrum has grown more gender diverse, with a law that 10% of seats in the lower house of the parliament be reserved for women.[1]
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) when women are integrated into Morocco's economy it increases and improves the growth in Morocco's gross domestic product (GDP). Integrating women into socio-economic development is important and will help achieve overall growth.
Current issues for women
Marriage and values
The minimum age a girl can marry is 18, the same as boys. If the girl is under 18, it needs to be certified by the court. The Moudawana code provides justice and rights to women while also protecting young girls’ rights. The code preserves the man's dignity and still issuing Islam's objectives of justice, tolerance and equality in a modernized development. In a speech by King Mohammed VI, he suggested that women should not be compelled to marry against their will just like what Quran says. That is, women have free-well when it comes to marriage. Equality between a women and a man's right of being able to choose their partner, entitling them both to the same rights in a marriage contract..
Most of Morocco is under a conservative setting and traditional values make women reluctant to challenge them. Even though laws are enforced traditional values and mindsets are still more successful. According to the 2010 data reported by the Justice Ministry, judges have granted 90% of cases involving a minor to marry even though the new code states the minimum marriage age is 18. Moroccan women have to take their right and this right again has to be given to them. Indeed, The Qur'an gives women freedom, free-well,choice and legitimate rights. Most Moroccan women want those rights that God has given to them.
Education and economy
Education is a big stepping stone for equalizing boys and girls at a young age by giving them both a fair start. Statistics show 78% of girls between the ages 12–14 are not in formal schooling in the country's rural areas.[2] There are limited job opportunities for girls because of the lack of education and the country's mind set is held back when it comes to hiring women. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), 66% of men are working but only 25% of women are working in the formal economy. If as many women were working as men income per capita could be almost 50% higher than it is now. Currently tax deductions or credits are only available to men to be able to claim a dependent deduction for both spouse and children. A female tax payer may not claim this tax advantage unless she proves she is the only legal guardian. This is an advantage that women should be able to achieve without going through the court system.
Independence
Until 1956 when Morocco won independence from France, a women's place was in the home and she did not have a right to leave the home without permission from the man. Women's activities included performing household chores, embroidery and other crafts, while raising a family and taking care of the man. Following independence, Morocco recognition of women's rights increased, including being able to choose marriage partners whilst men now have a limitation on how many wives they could have.
Religion and law
The majority of people in Morocco are Muslim and follow the Islamic law. Men and women each have distinct roles in Muslim societies. The men's responsibilities are to support and protect the family while working outside of the home to be able to provide for his family. The women and wife's role are to care for and discipline the children while maintaining home for her family and husband. Although Islamic law taught that the husband and wife were equal under god, women are subordinate to men in this patriarchal society.
In 2004 the government of Morocco introduced a new “family code” known as the Moudawana. This code in general covers issues of marriage contracts, ownership of assets, responsibilities for financial maintenance for the family and minimum age of marriage. This new enforcement enhances women's rights within the family and household, giving women more equality. Firstly, the woman and man now have equal responsibilities in family matters, both being heads of households. Women also were no longer required to obey their husbands under law and have the ability to exercise their rights such as employment or financial maintenance outside the home. The code restricted polygamy, giving the women more authority over her own marriage contract and allowed women access to no-fault divorce. The new code that is being enforced states males can only take a second wife if a judge allows it with justification, the first wife's consent, and if there is enough money and resources to support both families. The women now have the right to file for divorce if she feels the male has not fulfilled his obligations, or if there is violence or abandonment.[3]
References
- Ennaji, Moha (2008). "Steps to the Integration of Moroccan Women in Development". British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies. 35 (3): 339–348. doi:10.1080/13530190802525114. JSTOR 20455614.
- Ndoye, Anta; Dadam, Vincent; East, Middle; Kolovich, Central Asia Department Lisa; Strategy; Policy; Department, Review. "Morocco: Reducing Gender Inequality Can Boost Growth". IMF. Retrieved 2018-12-16.
- Prettitore, Paul Scott (2015). "Family Law Reform, Gender Equality, and Underage Marriage: A view from Morocco and Jordan". The Review of Faith & International Affairs. 13 (3): 32–40. doi:10.1080/15570274.2015.1075758.