Women activists praise deep reforms in family law

A Moroccan association grouping women activists from the main political parties hailed the reform proposals made last week by King Mohammed VI as "deep" reforms that "meet legitimate aspirations of Moroccan women and constraints of social evolution and democratic construction while being in total harmony with the Sharia (Islamic law)."

The national coordination committee of women members of political parties praised, in a statement released Friday, the reforms as "a step forward in the process of promoting women rights and implementing a democratic and modern societal project."

The association also expects the reforms to lift the injustice and discrimination suffered by women as a result of provisions of the present law and to secure to women their dignity and basic rights. The reforms were also seen as important factors for guaranteeing the balance, solidarity and stability of families.

While these reforms are confirming Islamic holy values and universal principles of human rights, they also contribute to portray a positive image about the Muslim religion which has always dignified human and established equality.

The association says it is ready to contribute to promote awareness in the Moroccan society of the importance of the new law provisions and of the "efficient and fair" solutions they will bring to problems facing Moroccan families.

King Mohammed VI announced at the opening of the parliament's fall session major reforms to an outdated family law (Mudawana). The reforms broadly welcomed as revolutionary place the family under the joined responsibility of the wife and husband, set stringent conditions that make polygamy almost impossible, re-organize divorce procedures and raise marriage age for women from 15 to 18.