Despite Morocco’s many legal advances in women’s rights, the lack of effective implementation and the existence of legislative loopholes undermines the country’s reputation as open, tolerant, and progressive. A sharp social divide exists: While feminist groups work to push legislative standards toward equality, conservatives in non-governmental organizations, judicial institutions, and broader Moroccan society continue to fight to limit the gender parity legislation and its effects.
Despite Morocco’s many legal advances in women’s rights, its lack of effective implementation and the existence of legislative loopholes undermines its reputation as an open, tolerant, and progressive country. In recent years Morocco has taken substantial steps to establish parity between the sexes in constitutional, family, and criminal law on the books.
Morocco is a country of emigration, transit, and destination. However, over the years, the nature of migration to and from Morocco has changed, with more women and children making the northward journey, and not always for purely socio-economic reasons. Stemming these growing migration flows has become an ever more important priority in Europe, including in its relations with the North African kingdom. In turn, migration control is now a powerful diplomatic tool for Rabat.
Although people under the age of 25 account for 43% of Morocco’s population, there are very low levels of youth representation in public life, especially in government decision-making. Young people in Morocco often feel ignored by the political system, leading to disinterest and disconnection. Political apathy is prevalent as young Moroccans do not see the relevance of politics to their daily lives. In addition, limited access to information about political issues and the political process makes it challenging for them to participate.
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