Asma LAMRABET

In Morocco, the family code stipulates a shared responsibility of spouses and granted women a set of rights. The recent constitutional reform also states a total equality between women and men, but the social reality does not reflect in any way these legal reforms. In fact, we can give the example of the last communal elections in which women were not elected at the head of any regional council. The new 12 presidents of regional councils are all men and only 14 women had their place at the House of Councillors against 106 men!

The major political decisions, therefore, remain men’s affairs. This is sad and disappointing for a country like Morocco that endeavors to pave the way for democracy. But shall we be astonished by this absence of women at the head of regions? The political situation reflects the mindset of a society! And it is well-known that our society is structurally undermined by the most unsophisticated cultural machismo that is getting worse by a strong comeback of religious conservatism.

Women’s absence in the regional councils is an additional sign of a step backwards for democratization of the country. This shows further that politics is today in the hands of a fierce patriarchy strongly reinforced by a cultural misogyny. Unfortunately, women’s political representation often remains the result of either an ideologico-political compromise or an ironic use of women “alibi” for political ends by some political decision makers to show their allegedly support to democracy and modernity.

The constitution, reforms and laws that stipulate gender equality and parity are undoubtedly important, but they remain meaningless in the absence of a real revolution of mindsets and men and women’s awareness. This awareness cannot be raised without a real reform of the religious field and thought, mainly relating to gender equality. There is a lot to be done… 

Asma Lamrabet

October 12, 2015