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Morocco Fast Facts Header

In rural areas, illiteracy rates are as high as 89.5% among women.

After years of advocacy to reform the personal status code (Moudawana), in 2003 the age of marriage was raised from 15 to 18, and women were given the right to initiate divorce and retain assets acquired during a marriage.

Cultural traditions, illiteracy, and lack of knowledge still prevent women from invoking their rights or reporting crimes against them despite reforms in the Personal Status Code.

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You are here » Home » Our Work » Cross-Cutting Programs » WID » Country Snapshots: Morocco » Democracy

Country Snapshot: Morocco and Democracy & Governance

Photo of a woman listening to a training.
Women in Politics program trains women in information and communication technology (ICT) to enable them to participate in the civic process. (Photo USAID)

Through its Democracy and Governance objectives, USAID/Morocco supports efforts to advance the involvement of women in public and political affairs and promote their participation in decision-making processes.

Morocco Information Technology in the Service of Women in Politics Project

Through this Project, USAID/Morocco trained women in information and communication technology (ICT) as a means to increase their participation in political activities. An initial group of 10 women trainees went on to train 46 female political candidates and NGO representatives, all of whom acquired ICT skills that will enable them to become better-informed advocates and to mount more effective political campaigns. In addition to the formal training activities, the women engaged each other in discussions about ICT issues, gender, and policymaking. The second phase of the program, conducted by Morocco Trade and Development Services, provided training in basic computer and internet skills to 100 women involved in community development and political activities outside of Rabat and Casablanca.

Following the reforms to the Moudawana in February 2004, USAID partner Global Rights (GR) began work with local NGOs to improve women's knowledge of the legal reforms made to the Moudawana on marriage, divorce, child guardianship and custody, and marital property. GR organized a workshop with local artists to work with groups of illiterate women from a human rights education program to collaboratively create an illustration of the reform. Nine illustrations produced by the beneficiaries and the local volunteer artists were presented in a poster in three languages, which will be made available throughout the country.

Morocco Program Objectives

Economic Growth and Job Creation
Education
Democracy & Governance

SELECTED ACTIVITIES:

Women in Technology-Cisco Networking Academy Scholarships for Women
Association Al Amana
Morocco Education for Girls (MEG)
Scholarships for Success
Morocco Information Technology in the Service of Women in Politics Project

Visit USAID/Morocco link to the Mission
Global Snapshots: Morocco Homepage
Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:12:27 -0500
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Last Updated on: June 09, 2008