Moroccan-Tunisian talks in Rabat on women and family affairs

Tunisian secretary of state for women and family affairs, Naziha Zarouk, who started on Monday a visit to Morocco held talks with several cabinet members on means to upgrade cooperation and join efforts to promote women's role in society.

The Tunisian official who held separate meetings with Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi, Minister of social protection, family and childhood, Said Saadi, and secretary of state in charge of disabled persons, Nouzha Chekrouni, stressed the need to adopt a bold approach to enable Maghreb women hold the place they deserve as active citizens at the political, economic and social levels.

She said Tunisia is closely following the current debate in Morocco on the plan on women's integration in the development process, stressing the importance of dialogue in such debates.

The plan that was published in March 1999 provides for large scale literacy campaigns, incentives for a greater integration of women in public life and the reform of some laws deemed detrimental to women. The plan which seeks to change some provisions of the Moroccan personal statute prompted a strong response on the part of some movements which deem the text as contrary to the charia (islamic law).

The need to exchange experience between Morocco and Tunisia and to consolidate partnership in all issues related to women, family and childhood was stressed at the meeting between the Tunisian official and Said Saadi.

The two sides agreed that the promotion of the status of women and their integration in the development process will serve national interests.

The Tunisian official also conferred with representatives of several women's associations on ways to promote partnership and exchange experience with similar Tunisian associations.