Reaping the Benefits of Reform in Morocco

Rabat, Morocco – On July 1, Morocco voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum making sweeping changes to the Kingdom’s constitution.  It has been hailed as an example for other countries in the Middle East.

However, not all of the reforms included in the vote are fully understood by Moroccans.  Through a training conducted by the Arab Women’s Leadership Institute (AWLI), a group of women are now better equipped to help citizens better understand the new constitution.  This event also marked the first-time women leaders from all walks of life – local officials, civil society activists and the youth – were brought together in a common training like this in Morocco.

“For women to reap the full benefits of these reforms in our new constitution, it is essential that we work together to educate our fellow citizens,” said AWLI Vice-Chair Dr. Najat Zarrouk.  “Each one of you plays a unique role in this country, and we cannot forget each other.”

Zarrouk joined a panel of experts on Morocco’s new constitution, who discussed the opportunities for women.  They noted that under the new constitution for the first-time equal rights on all fronts – cultural, economic, political and social – are guaranteed in Morocco.  The experts emphasized that diligence is necessary to ensure these constitutional reforms were fully implemented.  As Ms. Nawai Bahdian, an expert on constitutional reforms,  explained that a specific agenda was provided in the referendum; it will be up to the various leaders in the group to work together to meet it.

The training was conducted July 9-10 in Rabat.  Other panelists included Dr. Nadia Al Barnousi, member of the National Committee on Morocco’s Constitution; Mr. Ya’aqoup Al Douqi, specialist on gender issues; Mr. Abdellahrehim Bohyan, consultant with the Moroccan Parliament; and Ms. Rashida Al Tahiri, General Secretary for the Ministry of Social Development, Family and Solidarity.

On the second day participants broke into groups to develop messages meant to capitalize on the prospects for a better life for women.  Real Equality for Democratic Development! was the title of one campaign, which the group said would focus on putting more women in local offices now that women are guaranteed equal political rights.

AWLI was established by the International Republican Institute with funding from the National Endowment for Democracy and the Middle East Partnership Initiative.  Based in Amman, Jordan, AWLI mentors women throughout the Middle East.   The training in Morocco was  the fourth in series of this year to provide the skills, resources and connections necessary to help members succeed as leaders in the Arab region.