The “Jisr for Empowerment and Leadership” program, launched by the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family in partnership with various local actors, aims to support 3,000 women wishing to undertake a social and economic development project in each region, with a total of 36,000 women nationwide, noted Aawatif Hayar.
During a round table on “the integration of the issues of women, young people and people with disabilities, in local development programs as an approach for territorial justice”, held at the initiative of the team of the Moroccan Labor Union in the House of Councillors, the Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and the Family, Aawatif Hayar, presented the programs and initiatives launched by the ministry to encourage the participation of women in the development process and promote the social and economic integration of people in disability status.
The official said that the achievement of sustainable development depends on the adoption of an egalitarian approach between men and women, which involves the active participation of women in the development process, promotes the social and economic integration of vulnerable groups, and encourages innovation.
On this occasion, Hayar highlighted the “Jisr for Empowerment and Leadership” program launched by the ministry in partnership with various local actors, aimed at involving 3,000 women in the creation of social and economic development projects at the level of each region, for a total of 36,000 women nationwide, including women with disabilities, young girls and women in difficulty.
She specified that the overall cost of this program amounts to approximately 322 million dirhams, with a contribution from the ministry of around 140.5 million dirhams.
Until last June, more than 38,000 requests were received, following the launch of digital platforms dedicated to the regions of Casablanca-Settat, Fez-Meknes, Guelmim-Oued Noun, Oriental, Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma, Souss-Massa, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, Drâa-Tafilalet, Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab.
Regarding the integration of women’s issues in local development programs, the minister indicated that her ministry adopted a participatory and territorial approach when developing the third governmental plan for equality 2023-2026, as well as its strategic framework for equality and equity by 2035. These initiatives aim to promote equality and foster equity through sectoral programs with specific budgets and indicators.
This government plan, according to Hayar, is based on three main axes, including “empowerment and entrepreneurship” to strengthen women’s economic activity and political participation, “protection and well-being” to combat violence against women and reduce early marriages, and “rights and values” to eliminate discrimination and negative stereotypes against women.
As for the promotion of the rights of people with disabilities, the Minister announced the creation of a new system for assessing disabilities, which will be used to issue the special card intended for the people concerned. She also underlined the importance of accelerating the digital transition through initiatives such as the “Khadamaty” digital platform and the national qualification program for professionals in the care of autistic people, “Raafiq +”.
The official recalled in particular that the support program for the education of children with disabilities, one of the most important local development programs, provided in 2022 educational, rehabilitation and paramedical services, in different centers and establishments for more than 21,000 children with disabilities.
In addition, a framework partnership agreement with the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports on “the fight against school dropout among children with special needs” has been signed, continues Hayar, as well as a framework partnership and cooperation agreement in the field of inclusive education for people with disabilities.
According to his explanations, the ministry has persisted in the realization of the national program “Accessible Cities” because of its crucial role in improving the access of people with disabilities to various services. It continued to implement partnerships and collaborations with 22 municipalities to improve and develop physical infrastructure for people with disabilities across the country. The aim is to ensure their smooth and effective participation in public life.