Morocco’s King urges full participation of women in development process

King Mohammed VI of Morocco called for the full and active participation of women in the development process and in all sectors.

“Ever since my accession to the throne, I have been keen to improve the status of women, open up prospects for their advancement and enable them to hold their rightful place in society,” said the King in a speech on Throne Day.

The King has spurred reforms in the family code that fostered equality in rights and obligations between men and women and strengthened gender parity. He noted, however, that experience has revealed many obstacles in achieving the family code’s goals.

“I therefore insist on the need for everyone to commit to the proper and full implementation of the provisions of the Family Law,” said the King, noting that the code was designed for the “entire family.”

In this respect, he emphasized the need to address the deficiencies and negative aspects and to revisit the law’s provisions where deviations from the original goals have been noted.

While expressing attachment to the spirit of the Quranic principles, the King stressed the need to abide by a moderate, balanced approach, on open-minded interpretation as well as on consultation, dialogue and the engagement of all stakeholders concerned in the process of addressing the deficiencies in enforcing the code.

“Progress in Morocco hinges on women’s status in society and their effective participation in all development sectors,” he said.