The official launch of the international conference on the topic of “The System of Kedd and Sa’ayah in Light of the Review of the Family Code” has commenced, featuring high-level participation from judicial officials, ministers, ambassadors, and experts from both Morocco and abroad. Key attendees include the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, the Moroccan Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Justice from Cape Verde, along with ambassadors and representatives from various professional and judicial bodies.
In his opening remarks, the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation, Head of Public Prosecution Hicham Belahouel, stated that the organization of this conference comes at a critical time marked by significant legislative transformations, foremost among them the review of the Family Code, spearheaded by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God protect him. He called for highlighting public discourse on women’s economic rights within the family.
The judicial official praised the thoughtful selection of the conference topic, which reflects the relevance of the issues surrounding Kedd and Sa’ayah and their central role in promoting equity and justice within the Moroccan family structure. He further explained that this legal principle has historically represented an open jurisprudential effort that seeks to understand the objectives of Sharia in light of real-life situations. The books of legal issues aimed to connect textual sources with social changes and to articulate fair solutions to recognize women’s contributions to family wealth.
Belahouel emphasized that Moroccan judicial interpretations, particularly in regions such as Souss and the Ghmara tribes, have adopted this principle for centuries and have worked to enshrine it within litigation processes, ultimately developing it into a legal standard that accounts for each party’s contribution to wealth acquired during the matrimonial relationship.
He also stressed that the Moroccan experience in this area aligns with the evolution of international human rights law, especially concerning women’s economic and social empowerment. He affirmed that Moroccan judicial interpretations have demonstrated flexibility and the ability to keep pace with societal changes, enabling them to translate social realities into legislative levels.
Belahouel referenced the King’s royal directives that advocate for women’s empowerment and ensure equality in rights and duties. He reminded attendees of the King’s speech during the 2022 Throne Day, wherein His Majesty emphasized that “building a Morocco of progress and dignity will only happen with the participation of all Moroccans, men and women,” asserting that “women cannot be deprived of their legal and Sharia rights.”
In closing, he asserted that the scientific discussions at the conference, along with the recommendations and proposals that will emerge, will significantly impact the trajectory of family reform and enhance the status of women as essential partners in development. He commended all contributors to the success of this scholarly event.
