Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of Solidarity, Equality, and Family Jamila Moussali is not happy about the persisting victimization of Moroccan women.
Speaking about the effects of violence against women as part of the 17th national campaign to fight against gendered violence in Morocco, Moussali inisted that sustained victimization of women has both an “economic and social cost” that hinders development in Morocco.
Speaking during the closing conference of the campaign on December 26, the minister acknowledged the increase of violence against women, emphasizing that society cannot “expect a woman victim of violence to be a productive and stable citizen.”
She added that the fight against gendered and domestic violence should seek to strengthen and promote Moroccan women’s capacity for inclusive socio-economic integration and engagement.
Moussali also spoke about the importance of young people inthe fight against gender-based violence and discrimination. , She said young people represent “the most affected category by the phenomenon.”
Earlier this month, Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP) shared alarming statistics from a six-month survey that explored the circumstances and consequences of violence against women and girls.
The survey found that out of 13.4 million women aged between 15 and 74 more than 7.6 million experienced at least one act of violence in the previous 12 months.
According toHCP, unemployed and least educated women are the most affected by domestic violence.
Sexual and economic violence, however, saw a notable increase of 7 points.
Economic violence increased from 8% to 15%, while sexual violence increased by 5 points, from 9% to 14%.
The report shows that 6.1 million women experienced domestic violence, an increase of 1 point compared to 2009. The figure represents 52% of women.
Morocco launched the national campaign in November to raise awareness on the consequences of gendered violence.
