King Mohammed underlines pledge to women's promotion
Morocco, Politics, 6/30/2003

Morocco's King Mohammed VI on Saturday underlined pledge to continue endeavouring for the promotion of women's condition through involving them in efforts for economic development.

"I know it is essential to mobilize women and get them involved in the effort to achieve the targets of economic growth and sustainable development we have set for our country," King Mohammed VI said in a message read on his behalf by Princess Lalla Hasna (the king's sister) at the opening of the World Summit of Women, held in Marrakesh.

"That is why, the king explained, I took it upon myself to work for the improvement of the status of women, by capitalizing on their achievements and making sure that they enjoy their human, economic and political rights, in this connection, the election of 35 women mps is another positive development in our struggle to build a modern, democratic society."

The king conceded that "notwithstanding the fact that our country has made substantial headway in improving the status of women, we should not forget the difficulties being faced by a large number of women who live on the fringes of society, suffer from exclusion or are denied their rights."

"We have focused our interest, first, on rural women, the group most effected by the ills of illiteracy and poverty, two issues I firmly believe are at the heart of human rights, just as they may constitute structural obstacles to democracy," said King Mohammed VI.

He added "We are also endeavouring to rid women of all the forms of injustice they are subjected to, and we seek to upgrade the existing legislation, taking into account the fact that women have shown a keen awareness of their rights and obligations, and that Morocco has made significant progress in all fields, thus, as Amir al Muminin, defender of the faith and its followers, I have set up a special committee and instructed its members to pay heed and carefully examine all the grievances voiced by women's associations and by all the forces that make up the lifeblood of the nation, and to make recommendations to me on mechanisms and procedures needed to ensure proper implementation of the Mudawana family code. They were also instructed to make suggestions concerning amendments which could be introduced therein and which should be in line with our identity and with the teachings of our religion. In this connection, there should be special 'emphasis on family cohesion and social harmony.'"

King Mohammed VI also renewed Morocco's commitment "to carry on with its quest for progress and its endeavour to build a project for a truly democratic and modern society."

Previous Stories:
  Women's summit focused on many themes   (6/28/2003)
  New family code to be revolutionary, official   (3/11/2003)
  La Vie Economique: New family code to be ready in 3-4 months   (3/8/2003)

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