Morocco is beginning to enhance its human rights records, and while there has been some success, it still has several problems pertaining to gender biases and women’s rights. These issues in women’s rights include little control over who they choose to marry, little influence in their finances and a lack of control over their careers. Part of the issue when it comes to lack of control in their careers is women in Morocco have little access to education. Many girls do not get to attend school because they cannot afford it or do not live close enough. Another portion of girls never get to attend school as they get forced to marry young. Women’s rights in Morocco are facing several issues, but there are organizations that are beginning to address them. 

The High Atlas Foundation

The High Atlas Foundation is an organization that the Peace Corps founded to support the Moroccan community. The organization emphasizes helping women’s rights in Morocco. This organization has a Family Literacy program that the EU supports. It aims to promote lifelong learning by addressing literacy problems. This program has three branches: teaching young women basic literacy, enhancing access to pre-primary education and empowering women socioeconomically. This initiative is beginning to allow women to be more involved in education, which benefits them career-wise. 

This program extends beyond just education and gives women the opportunity to build financial independence and contribute to the economy. The High Atlas Foundation has worked to cultivate a strong network of individuals who lead four-day self-discovery IMAGINE workshops. In this program, Moroccan women learn about their legal and human rights. Currently, more than 380 women have attended one of these workshops in Marrakech, Al Haouz, Essaouira, Mohammedia, Oujda and Boujdour.

Education for All 

Another organization that is benefitting Moroccan Women is Education for All. Few Moroccan women have access to education. This is due to parents not being able to afford lodging or transportation for school, or parents who would rather their daughters stay home. Education for All is taking a stand against this as half of the country is not literate, and in rural areas, up to 83% of women are illiterate. It is taking a stand by building and running high-quality boarding houses for girls 12-18. Everything from beds to meals to access to technology will be free. Since September 2009, it has built five homes. As of 2017, it had a total of 185 girls in its program. 

Amal 

Amal is a nonprofit training center dedicated to serving the female Moroccan population. It is striving to make changes in the community like closing the unemployment gap and teaching new job skills. As Amal operates as a restaurant, the main set of skills these women pick up is kitchen-based. This includes practical cutting, cooking and cleaning skills. Additionally, students attend classes for education in hygiene, security, service and language skills. These skills allow women to find jobs outside of the program and begin to support themselves. 

Looking Ahead

The state of women’s rights in Morocco is a complex and challenging issue, with women facing significant barriers in areas such as education, career opportunities and personal autonomy. However, amid these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope as several organizations are actively working to address and improve the situation. The High Atlas Foundation has taken a proactive approach by implementing a Family Literacy program that focuses on enhancing women’s access to education. Education for All is another impactful organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to education for girls in Morocco. Amal, a nonprofit training center, stands out by addressing the unemployment gap among women in Morocco. 

These organizations collectively exemplify the positive impact that targeted interventions can have on improving women’s rights in Morocco. While challenges persist, the efforts of these organizations provide a beacon of hope for a future where women in Morocco can enjoy greater autonomy, education and economic independence.

– Sara Agosto
Photo: Flickr