Empowering Women in Morocco: A Key Potential for Development

Abstract

This article analyses the progress on gender equality in Morocco through the lens of women empowerment. It examines international commitments over the past two decades and the legal, economic and social reforms put in place to ensure equality between men and women. It discusses positive discrimination measures for the access of women to political decision-making positions and the adoption of laws against sexual harassment and violence against women. The article also points out the ongoing disparities between urban and rural women, who face intersectional discrimination. Women entrepreneurship is a solution for creating jobs and wealth, and the government is called upon to further support women empowerment by providing incentives and facilities, including funding. Digitalisation offers new opportunities for women that should be strengthened. Eventually, the article highlights the invaluable potential of female leaders and calls for removing barriers to their visibility. It emphasizes the need for further reforms, an egalitarian education system, training programmes and capacity building and innovation for new opportunities for women empowerment.