The committee overseeing the Family code reform received on Wednesday the High Commission of Planning (HCP) and various women’s organizations to discuss their propositions.
Over the past two weeks, the committee engaged with a diverse array of stakeholders directly connected to family matters, including representatives from official institutions, human rights and women’s advocacy groups, judges, academic researchers, and practitioners in family law.
Ahmed El Hlimi, head of the High Commissioner for Planning, told MoroccoLatestNews there is a critical need to “evaluate the Family Code within the context of the Moroccan reality,” sharing insights gleaned from studies conducted by the HCP with a specific focus on the experiences of women.
El Hlimi said that the findings of these studies are expected to make a substantive contribution to the committee’s considerations, particularly in areas pertaining to women’s roles, demographic shifts, the evolving dynamics for women, and the status of women within the labor market and family structures.
The official further said that there are different discussions within the committee, encompassing societal perceptions of women, women’s self-perceptions, their roles in society, instances of violence against women across different domains, and the consequential impact on families and children.
The head of the HCP also provided the commitee with the economic and social costs borne by the country due to such violence as integral components of the dialogue.
Wafa Hajji, Coordinator of the “Equality Now” coalition, said that gender equality in the reform proposals is paramount saying that “while our primary focus today is on the Family Law, it is imperative that gender equality remains a central consideration.”
Hajji further added that “a balanced family structure, with shared responsibilities between men and women, will foster greater stability and harmony for Moroccan families and their children.”
The activist outlined various proposals in line with those presented by other associations, including preventing the marriage of minors and advocating for joint guardianship between men and women in the economic and social management of Moroccan families.
Haji noted that”there are also diverse divorce procedures that need simplification and standardization, addressing custody matters and children’s rights.”
The civil activist stressed the importance of the Family Code as the initial platform for implementing Article 19 across all facets of Moroccan society.