2024-07-07 14:48:17
The event, held at the Moroccan residence in Stockholm in celebration of International Women’s Day, brought together a diverse audience of 70 participants, representing the diplomatic corps, the academic and university world, the Swedish Women’s Network (IWC), members of the Moroccan Skills Network and representatives of Moroccan associations.
In a speech for the occasion, the Ambassador of Morocco to Sweden, Karim Medrek, emphasized the efforts of the Kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in favor of the rights of women and the family, enshrined in the Constitution of 2011, outlining the multiple reforms that have made it possible to fight against all forms of discrimination against women, but also to consolidate their autonomy, while strengthening their role and their active participation in the political, economic and social life of the country.
Since his accession to the throne, HM King Mohammed VI has placed at the heart of his concerns the consolidation of the rule of law and the promotion of human rights, noted Mr. Medrek, recalling, in this sense, the High Solicitude with which the Sovereign continues to surround women, with a view to giving them the place that is theirs as an actor and key element within an open and modern society, but also to enable them to flourish and contribute to the march of the inclusive and sustainable development of the Kingdom.
He also pointed out that over the last two decades, Moroccan women have accumulated significant achievements within the framework of a comprehensive and participatory approach, notably thanks to the provisions of the 2011 Constitution and the 2004 Family Code, which constitute the most significant legal foundations for promoting the status of women and strengthening their empowerment.
Furthermore, Mr. Medrek indicated that the commemoration of International Women’s Day in Morocco is marked, this year, by a national debate on the Family Code, in accordance with the High Royal Instructions contained in the 2022 Speech from the Throne, calling for remedying the gaps and imbalances in the implementation of the Family Code and harmonizing its provisions with the evolution of Moroccan society, twenty years after its entry into force.
The Ambassador also recalled the particular importance of this day, which honours the achievements, struggles and contributions of women around the world, as the march towards gender equality continues and the fight against injustices and inequalities remains crucial.
“It is a time to take stock to assess the advances and progress, but also a time to question and analyze everything that women continue to experience as an obstacle to the enjoyment of their rights, a time of commitment to accelerate the pace in favor of an egalitarian society,” the diplomat noted.
For her part, the Swedish Ambassador for Gender Equality, Sofia Calltorp, gave an overview of the Swedish experience in gender equality and the situation of women’s rights in her country, as well as the challenges to be met, as it is true that no country in the world, however developed, has reached the level expected by women.
Praising the Moroccan experience in empowering women and defending their rights, Ms. Calltorp stressed the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two countries in this area and exchanging experiences.
For her part, Naima Benali, a renowned Moroccan physicist and human rights defender, captivated the audience with her presentation entitled ”Breaking Barriers: Morocco on the Path to Gender Equality”. Ms. Benali brilliantly highlighted the significant progress made by Morocco in promoting women’s rights, while addressing persistent challenges and opportunities for improvement.
The meeting was followed by the second edition of the “Women Empowerment Award”, which the Moroccan Ambassador had the privilege of presenting to four Moroccan women who have distinguished themselves in their respective sectors of activity in Sweden.
These women were honored for their singular achievements in industries as diverse as entrepreneurship, finance, IT and fashion. Their success and commitment to women’s empowerment were celebrated as inspiring examples of leadership and determination.
2024-07-07 14:48:17