Rabat – The Moroccan Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi has stressed his determination to take steps toward reforming the Moroccan family code – the Moudawana, saying that a fierce “battle” lies ahead to put an end to the “exclusion and mistreatment” of women in the country.
The minister made the statement in an address at the National Conference of the Authenticity and Modernity Women’s Organization last week, during which he said: “The battle ahead will be significant, powerful, and intense in the coming months to eradicate the marginalization and injustice women face.”
Ouahbi, who is also the leader of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), pledged that “it will be the final fight to end the exclusion and mistreatment of women, which has accumulated in our country for years.”
Addressing the conference attendees, he acknowledged the strength of and support for the reforms within the nation, reassuring them that they would work together to “bring about change and have an impact on the Family Code.”
He underlined his commitment to challenging the existing laws related to divorce, marriage, and other aspects of women’s rights, including guardianship and custody.
Read also: After Nearly 20 Years, Morocco Discusses Family Code Reform
“We will discuss everything and anything possible because we established this party to change our nation’s history,” Ouahbi said. “Transforming the status of women is a change for the betterment of our country. ”
The minister has called for amending the Moroccan legal framework, particularly the Moudawana, before. Because of his remarks, Ouahbi has come under fire on multiple occasions.
In response to the backlash he has received, Ouahbi said, “I am not concerned about the accusations and insults directed towards me. This is a battle that honors me. Hence, I am prepared to endure all insults and slander for the sake of women.”
The minister indicated that his vision extends beyond legal adjustments.
“We do not seek to change the status of women; instead, we aim to restore their rights in accordance with the nature of their existence and role,” he explained.
He stressed the need to discover inherent rights within natural law that ensure equal treatment for both men and women, instead of creating new legislation.
The minister also criticized those “hiding behind distorted interpretations of Quranic verses to keep women perpetually confined to their current position.”
The Moroccan parliament adopted the Moudawana in 2004, replacing the Personal Status Code (PSC).
While the new family code introduced progressive laws governing many areas of the family, including marriage, polygamy, divorce, inheritance, and child custody, many have been calling for the Moudawana to be updated.
