Moroccan princess places women issues of top of Moroccan priorities

Princess Lalla Meryem, sister of King Mohammed VI, told an international conference held here this October 4-6, that women issues and the promotion of their status are on top of Morocco's priorities.

Talking at the conference dubbed "high-level consultation on rural women and information," the princess who is also member of the international steering committee on economic promotion of rural women, said the interest granted to women has been recently renewed by king Mohammed VI in his first days of reign.

The princess speech, read out on her behalf, also stressed that the Moroccan national action strategy aims to integrate women in the lasting development process. She further explained that the action plan was drafted by governmental and non-governmental competent circles. It deals with the struggle against illiteracy, informal education, natal health, women integration in economic development and upgrading its legal status.

The conference is attended by FAO general director, Jacques Diouf, head of the international steering committee for the economic promotion of rural women, Elizabeth Diouf, UN under secretary general and a representative of the UN secretary general, Angela King.