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Moroccan feminist activist group Collectif 490 has released a new digital guidebook aimed at fighting the ongoing problem of sexual harassment faced by students at universities across the country. The guide was launched earlier this week on February 13, during a conference held in partnership with Morocco’s ESCA business school to coincide with the university’s Anti-Harassment Week events.
According to Collectif 490 member and biologist Narjis Benazzou, the guide comes in response to an alarming 2019 study by Morocco’s High Planning Commission which found that 1 in 5 women have experienced violence while studying.
After the group began receiving messages in late 2021 from multiple student victims of harassment and assault, they decided to take action by establishing a hotline to provide psychological and legal support.
From March to September 2023, the hotline documented 33 total cases of harassment and violence. 16 victims received individual counselling sessions, while 3 pursued legal action leading to two judicial prosecutions. However, the activists felt a guidebook was necessary to further combat the issue at its core.
The new digital guidebook aims to raise awareness, provide legal information, and offer practical support to both victims and witnesses of sexual harassment. It seeks to break the silence surrounding harassment, inform victims of their rights, direct them to support services, and encourage them to report incidents to relevant authorities.
Illustrated by artist Zainab Fasiki in comic book form, the 20-page guide answers frequently asked questions and outlines the steps for filing formal complaints. It busts myths that victims are responsible due to their dress or behavior. The guide explains that most victims stay silent because they fear stigma, doubt official procedures, or face difficulties proving their case.
Moving forward, the guide will be instrumental in Collectif 490’s mission to prevent harassment and change attitudes on Moroccan campuses. By openly addressing the issue, they hope to empower victims to come forward and deter potential abusers from acting.
The guide was developed in partnership with the Moroccan Association for the Fight Against Violence Against Women (AMVEF) and with support from the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (FCIL). It will be widely shared on social media and distributed to students by universities, media outlets, and activist groups nationwide.
Collective 490, also known as Moroccan Outlaws, is a feminist activist group that has gained attention over the past year for speaking out against sexual misconduct in Moroccan universities.
Though sexual harassment remains an ongoing challenge at Morocco’s universities, Collectif 490’s awareness-raising efforts signal a promising step towards protecting vulnerable students and making campuses safe for all. The new guidebook provides victims the information and support they need to speak out, while sending a message to academic institutions that reform is imperative.
