HANAN HARITE

Morocco-Women's participation in politics is still far from equality all around the world. In Morocco, women are still deeply under-represented in government leadership. Although Moroccan women launch many campaigns to increase women’s political participation in politics, the demanded level has not been reached yet. Speaking to NuJINHA, Khadija Rebbah, Moroccan human rights activist and one of the founders of the Democratic Association of Moroccan Women (Association Démocratique de Femmes de Maroc, ADFM), pointed out that although women have achieved many gains in politics since 2002 Moroccan general elections, their demands have not been fully met. “

“The proportion of women in the Chamber of Representatives increased to nearly 10.8 percent in 2002 after more than 20 years. The representation of women in the Moroccan Parliament increased from 20.5% in the previous parliament of 2016 to 24.3%. In 2021, the proportion reached a peak of 26 percent. There is an increase in women’s political participation; however, it is insufficient.”

‘Gender parity is a social demand’

Emphasizing the importance of achieving the principle of equality in leadership positions, Khadija Rebbah noted that equality is a must in Morocco. “Women’s movements in Morocco demand gender parity in top political and corporate leadership positions. It is not only a demand of women’s movements but also a social demand. Morocco needs the potential and capabilities of women and men. Everyone can work for effective and real development in Morocco.”

‘The most important obstacle is the election law’

She also talked about the obstacles that prevent women from participating in politics. “The most important obstacle is the election law. The quota system reserves 90 seats for women in regional and local lists. The quota system does not give the possibility of achieving true parity in the House of Councillors. The political parties do not believe that women can win the elections. Women are shown as candidates in the places where they have no chance of winning.”

‘Women were subjected to political violence’

Khadija Rebbah believes that despite the recent developments in Moroccan society, customs and traditions still exclude women from politics. “Despite the gains achieved on political, constitutional, institutional and rights issues, women are still excluded from politics due to gender stereotypes, customs, traditions and the patriarchal mindset in society. In 2021, women were subjected to political violence. Moroccan young women refuse to be just a number in politics; they want to be effective in politics.”