Moroccan official urges participation of women in development process

No progress can be achieved without the participation of women in the development process, said Moroccan secretary of State for cooperation, Aicha Belarbi.

Addressing a UN meeting on "best practices for promotion of gender equality and development," Belarbi stressed how cultural and traditional obstacles continue to reinforce sex discrimination, arguing that women's development is measured on the improvement of the personal image, promotion of reproductive health and women participation in decision-making.

In a presentation on "Islam and gender," Belarbi rejected false images conveyed by Western media about Islam as a religion that preaches terrorism, women's oppression and denial of women's rights.

Islam, she said, is a religion of tolerance, equality and equity which emancipated Muslim women from slavery and improved their status.

She also surveyed the achievements made in Morocco in the promotion of women and ongoing efforts to upgrade their conditions, citing in this regard the government's plans and actions to empower women.