Hicham Belahouel, the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation and President of the Public Prosecution, highlighted during his participation in the African Women’s Empowerment Forum the efforts made by the institution to protect women and enhance their status in Moroccan and African society.
The forum took place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Sale, under the theme: “Empowering African Women as a Foundation for Achieving Social Justice and Sustainable Transformation of the Continent,” with the participation of several ministers, ambassadors, African officials, and representatives of regional and international organizations. The event aimed to exchange experiences and strengthen African cooperation in promoting women’s rights.
In his opening speech, Mr. Belahouel stated that the organization of the forum by the National Federation of Moroccan Women is a significant milestone in reinforcing the values of equality and women’s empowerment, in line with the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has made the promotion of women’s rights a fundamental driver of comprehensive and sustainable development.
The Attorney General pointed out that the Marrakech Declaration 2020, launched by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem, serves as a reference framework for unifying institutional efforts to protect women, especially those affected by violence and early marriage. He also explained that the Public Prosecution is working, in partnership with governmental sectors, to follow up on the implementation of the territorial protocol for handling female victims of violence through annual forms to measure the quality of services and the satisfaction of the beneficiaries.
In this context, Mr. Belahouel revealed that joint field efforts have resulted in tangible outcomes, with the number of requests issued by public prosecutors to deny permission for the marriage of minors rising to over 13,700 in 2024. He noted that cooperation between institutions has contributed to the return of over 71,600 boys and girls to school during the same year.
The Attorney General praised the close collaboration with the National Federation of Moroccan Women through the “We Are All With You” platform, which allows women victims of violence to submit complaints around the clock via the number 8350 or the dedicated application, providing immediate responses and effective coordination with care units in various courts across the kingdom.
He also mentioned the Public Prosecution’s commitment to supporting the Lalla Meryem Award for Innovation and Excellence and promoting the “Key to Dignity” initiative aimed at providing adequate housing for vulnerable women, emphasizing that these initiatives embody the values of solidarity and women’s empowerment reinforced by the national criminal policy.
In conclusion, Mr. Hicham Belahouel expressed his deep appreciation to Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem for her pioneering efforts to improve the status of Moroccan and African women, reaffirming the Public Prosecution’s commitment to actively engage in all initiatives aimed at empowering women and protecting their rights, in alignment with the royal directives.
