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Ibn Yahya: Morocco Has Made Significant Progress in Strengthening Women’s Rights
Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, Naima Ibn Yahya, affirmed that Morocco has made notable advances in enhancing the rights of women and girls, particularly in ensuring their access to justice.
In a speech delivered in New York on behalf of the Moroccan delegation during the seventieth session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, the minister emphasized that the kingdom has taken important steps in promoting women’s rights, thanks to the reform vision led by King Mohammed VI since his accession to the throne.
The government official highlighted that royal directives have continuously called for the establishment of guarantees and legislative mechanisms to facilitate women’s access to their rights and to enable their active participation in development and creativity within society.
In this context, Ibn Yahya pointed out that Morocco’s 2011 constitution serves as a fundamental reference for reinforcing gender equality, noting that it stipulates equal opportunities and equal rights and freedoms, in addition to guaranteeing the right to litigation for all citizens in defense of their rights and interests protected by law.
She also reviewed Morocco’s ongoing commitment to international mechanisms aimed at protecting women’s rights, underscoring the kingdom’s accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, a step that enhances avenues for remedy for victims.
The minister further mentioned the enhancement of the national legal framework through the integration of a gender perspective in judicial policies, the abolition of several discriminatory provisions in laws, and the adoption of a specific law to combat violence against women, along with the establishment of specialized units across various relevant sectors.
She noted that Morocco has also launched practical initiatives to combat gender-based violence, including a national campaign linked to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which saw participation from approximately 230,000 individuals in in-person activities, alongside a digital campaign reaching over 2.2 million people.
Ibn Yahya highlighted the digital platform “Aman Lak,” provided by the ministry to assist women victims of violence in reporting cases and facilitating access to shelter and support services, while also enhancing follow-up mechanisms at both local and central levels.
In concluding her speech, the minister confirmed that the kingdom is working on preparing a national action plan to combat discrimination between women and men, which will involve various stakeholders, including the media and educational institutions, emphasizing the pivotal role of families in instilling values of equality.
It is noteworthy that the seventieth session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is taking place at the UN headquarters in New York from March 9 to 19, focusing on the theme of enhancing women’s and girls’ access to justice through equitable and inclusive legal systems, while working to eliminate discriminatory laws and practices.
