Rabat – Morocco’s Ambassador to United Nations (UN), Omar Hilale, has stressed the country’s essential role in terms of international efforts to fight violence against women.
During a meeting themed “The economic empowerment of women and the shadow pandemic,” Hilale recalled Morocco’s participation in several actions aiming to combat the social issue.
“In April 2020, Morocco did not hesitate to join the efforts of the European Union, Argentina, Mongolia, New Zealand, Namibia, and Turkey to adopt a Joint Declaration in support of the UN secretary-general’s call for peace in homes across the world,” said Hilale.
The diplomat affirmed that the international commitment that accompanied the signing of the declaration was “the driving force” for the launching of the “Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls,” an international virtual event which took place on December 7, 2020.
Hilale added that the “noble” alliance has initiated multiple activities aimed at forging a “way forward” to protect women and girls from all forms of violence.
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“The members of this alliance demonstrate a lasting commitment to zero tolerance for violence against all women and girls,” said the Moroccan diplomat.
Hilale also urged the Group’s members to continue to work together to use their “influence” to achieve their goals and develop innovative strategies to fight for gender equality and female empowerment.
“The current situation is a moment of truth, commitment and transformation, which is intended to allow for more inclusion of women,” he argued.
Globally, an estimated 736 million women, almost one in three, are reported to have have been subjected to intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life, according to UN Women.
In October 2021, Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP) published a report on the situation of women in Morocco.
The document revealed that an alarming 57% of Moroccan women were at some point, shape or form, victims of an act of violence in 2019.
Data compiled for national and international surveys and studies have consistently shown that the world needs more powerful actions to eliminate all forms of physical, financial and emotional violence against women.
