Women do not enjoy rights recognized by Islam, King Mohammed VI says

King Mohammed VI on Wednesday said that in most Islamic societies women do not enjoy the rights granted by the Sharia (Islamic law).

"Reality shows that in most Islamic societies, women do not enjoy the rights granted to them by the Sharia," the king said in a message read out on his behalf by Abbas Al-Jirari, Charge de Mission at the Royal Office before an international congress on "Muslim Women and Science," currently held in Fez, central Morocco.

Islam grants women a distinguished rank and makes them equal to men, he said, adding that Islam also opens the door wide for women to seek scientific knowledge without restriction whatsoever.

King Mohammed VI deplored that circumstances did not help women assume social and scientific roles, as required by the cohesion of society.

"It is time for us, while we aspire to found modernity and renewal on solid bases, to correct this situation with the necessary wisdom," he said.

This objective can be attained through dealing with women issues within a judicious orientation, a clear vision and a sound methodology, inspired from the precepts of Islam, which encourages scientific research and the quest of knowledge, he said.

The Fez encounter is debating ways to promote women's situation and to enable them play their role within Muslim societies.

The meeting is attended by several Moroccan, Arab and international experts.