Further reforms needed to promote women's situation in Morocco, media

The Moroccan press underlined Tuesday, on the occasion of the International Women's Day, that despite the important strides made in Morocco, further reforms are needed to give women their due status.

"Al Mounaataf" daily deems that "March 8 cannot be qualified as a holiday because women in Morocco have not yet reached the status they deserve." The author of the article rather sees International Women's Day as an occasion to asses and reflect on the achievements accomplished to promote the situation of women.

March 8 is celebrated throughout the world "while the situation of women, particularly in developing countries, remains precarious because of marginalization, exploitation and the systematic violation of laws that guarantee equality between men and women, and ban discrimination between sexes, wrote "L'Opinion."

While calling for more reforms in favor of women, the press highlighted the latest achievements for women with Aujourd'hui le Maroc" daily noting that the celebration of International Women's Day "coincides this year with the first anniversary of the implementation of the Family Law (Moudawana), a law that put an end to nearly fifty years of discrimination against women who, under the former Moudawana, was a family member under the tutorship of man."

The Family law, which promotes equality between men and women, is an important legal asset in human rights, pointed out "Al Ittihad Al Ichtiraki" in an article titled "a rose and a bouquet of rights."

The paper believes, on the other hand, that the feminist struggle has contributed to the development of militancy in Morocco, insisting that this process can only persevere through the promotion of further rights in the country.

Thanks to their persevering struggle, Moroccan women have set an example in the Arab and Islamic world, underlined "Al Bayane" newspaper, which also highlighted the crucial role of king Mohammed VI to push for reforms in favor of women.

Several newspapers agree that the Moroccan sovereign has played a key role in the progress of women rights in the country, noting that without the royal resolve this issue would be still lingering.