Moroccan women access to decision-making positions still below aspirations, Minister

Despite reforms ushered in Morocco, women's access to decision-making positions is still below aspirations, stated Minister in charge of Moroccan expatriates, Nouzha Chekrouni.

The consolidation of women contribution in the political field and the decision-making process should be among the priorities of political parties, the government and the parliament, she said on Saturday at the opening of a meeting on "women and decision-making."

The Minister noted that women account for 17,000 of employees in the civil service that are estimated at 68,000, i.e 29.46 percent of overall executives in the country.

The number of women in executive posts in different Moroccan administrations does not exceed 10pc, she said, underlining the need to activate the role of women and enact laws that guarantee equal opportunities, notably in access to decision-making positions.

For his part, Secretary of State in charge of rural development, Mohamed Mohattane, said women represent 40pc of active workers in rural areas, notably in agriculture.

He said Moroccan rural women face several problems, notably illiteracy and lack of representation in the management of local affairs.

He said his department has carried out in 2004 over 77 small projects that profited 2,600 women.

Morocco has taken several steps to promote the situation of women, particularly through the adoption of the family Code that grants equal rights to men and women.

Morocco is considered among the leading Arab countries concerning women's participation in the political scene. The Moroccan parliament includes 35 women.