Hakima Fassi Fihri—Women’s Rights and Feminist Movements in Morocco

The talk addresses the legal outcomes of Moroccan feminism as a social movement, and the legal reforms taken in the past and those in progress now, in order to implement gender equality in Morocco. Liberal feminists have been struggling since the seventies for equal treatment by the laws towards all Moroccan citizens. Minor reforms were taken under King Hassan II, but they were largely considered by liberal feminists to be insufficient. Since 1999, Morocco accelerated its democratization process, and King Mohamed VI encouraged new legal reforms (Family Code and Nationality Code in 2004), bringing new hope to Moroccan feminists. The Constitution reform of 2011 was revolutionary, addressing the principles of gender equality, non discrimination and human rights. Liberal feminists praised these reforms, but they advocate for more. A significant signal was addressed when a socialist politician asked for gender equality in Morocco by challenging laws on polygamy and inheritance. Socialist feminists also ask for a legal framework for abortion. Such reforms imply a strong political willpower from Moroccan politicians. This is a major challenge, as Islam is “religion of the State”, and in Morocco the King is a religious leader. Moreover, the conservative Islamist party holds a large part in the Government/Parliament. Therefore, how to reach a balance, in legal reforms, between people’s urge to modern laws, and complying with islamic principles ?