Initiated by the “Words of Women” Foundation, this meeting aims to highlight the considerable efforts made by the Kingdom which have resulted in significant progress in terms of the socio-economic empowerment of Moroccan women.
This meeting brought together several actors from civil society in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, to share ideas, experiences, initiatives, and arrive at recommendations, capable of improving the employability of women, promoting their health and well-being, and to strengthen their capacities in different areas.
Speaking on this occasion, the president of the “Words of Women” Foundation, Chahida El Idrissi, indicated that this meeting constitutes an appropriate opportunity to recall the initiatives and efforts undertaken by Morocco, in favor of socio-autonomy. -economic status of women, considered one of the main pillars to achieve integrated development.
“Aware of the importance of women’s socioeconomic empowerment, Morocco has ratified several international conventions aimed at establishing gender equality and promoting women’s rights,” she noted.
She recalled, in this wake, the integrated national program for the economic empowerment of women by 2030, which is likely to strengthen the influence and position of Morocco at the regional and international levels, as a pioneering model which guarantees the defense of women’s rights in general and promotes their socio-economic empowerment.
During this meeting, participants discussed themes including “Women and development”, “Women and digitalization” and “Women’s financial inclusion”.
Moroccan National Women’s Day, celebrated on October 10 each year, is intended to be a moment of reflection and action to assess achievements and gains in terms of equality and identify the difficulties and constraints hindering emancipation and women’s empowerment.
How does civil society contribute to advancing women’s rights in Morocco?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women in Morocco
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the invaluable efforts towards women’s empowerment in Morocco, particularly in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region. Can you start by sharing the main objectives of the recent meeting initiated by the “Words of Women” Foundation?
Expert: Thank you for having me! The meeting aimed to showcase and celebrate the significant strides made in socio-economic empowerment for Moroccan women. It served as a platform for various stakeholders, including civil society actors, to discuss ideas, share experiences, and explore initiatives that have positively impacted women in the region.
Time.news Editor: That sounds like a productive gathering. What specific progress have you seen in the socio-economic status of women in Morocco?
Expert: Over the past few years, Moroccan women have made remarkable gains, most notably in education and employment. Governmental policies and initiatives have focused on improving access to education for girls, which has led to higher literacy rates. Furthermore, there are increasing opportunities for women in the workforce, thanks to supportive legislation that promotes gender equality.
Time.news Editor: It’s encouraging to hear about these developments. Can you share some examples of initiatives that were discussed at the meeting that could serve as models for other regions?
Expert: Absolutely! One notable initiative is focused on providing vocational training tailored specifically for women, which empowers them to gain skills in sectors like technology, agriculture, and handicrafts. There were also discussions around cooperatives that help women leverage their talents in areas such as traditional crafts and food production, enabling them to increase their income and gain financial independence.
Time.news Editor: These initiatives are crucial for fostering independence. What role does civil society play in ensuring the success of such programs?
Expert: Civil society organizations have been pivotal in advocating for women’s rights and amplifying their voices. They often serve as intermediaries between local communities and the government, ensuring that women’s needs are recognized and addressed. By organizing workshops and facilitating access to resources, they help to empower women and encourage them to participate actively in socio-economic activities.
Time.news Editor: With the progress that has been made, what challenges still remain for women in Morocco that need addressing?
Expert: While we’ve seen significant advancement, challenges persist. Cultural norms and traditions continue to hinder women’s full participation in certain areas of society. Issues such as gender-based violence and limited representation in decision-making positions also need to be addressed. Continued advocacy and education are essential in dismantling these barriers.
Time.news Editor: How can the international community support Morocco’s efforts towards empowering women?
Expert: The international community can play a crucial role by providing funding, resources, and expertise to bolster existing initiatives. Collaboration between Moroccan organizations and international entities can enhance knowledge sharing and create new opportunities for women. Additionally, advocating for policies that promote women’s rights on a global scale can help reinforce local efforts.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing these insights. It’s clear that while Morocco has made commendable progress in empowering women, there’s still work to be done. What message would you like to leave our readers regarding the ongoing journey for women’s rights?
Expert: Empowering women is not just a moral imperative; it is an essential driver for sustainable development. The journey for women’s rights requires collective commitment from all sectors of society, and every small effort counts. Let’s continue to support and uplift women in Morocco and beyond, as their progress benefits not just individuals or communities, but society as a whole.
Time.news Editor: Wise words indeed. Thank you for your time and insights today. It’s vital for us to keep the conversation going as we work toward a more equitable future for all.
Expert: Thank you for having me, and for shining a light on this important issue!