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Rabat – Rabha El Haymar, a Moroccan woman who defied societal norms and legal hurdles to secure her daughter’s future, received the prestigious International Woman of Courage (IWOC) Award at a White House ceremony hosted by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and First Lady Jill Biden on Monday, March 4.
El Haymar’s story embodies the spirit of the IWOC Awards, which since 2007, have recognized over 190 extraordinary women from more than 90 countries for their exceptional courage, leadership, and advocacy for human rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls.
In a world where the voices of women advocating for change often go unheard, the IWOC Awards serve as a beacon of hope and recognition for those who dare to challenge the status quo.
Navigating tradition and the law
El Haymar’s journey began with a personal challenge – securing legal recognition for her daughter born outside of marriage. In Morocco, such children face societal marginalization and often lack access to basic rights and opportunities.
Determined to break this cycle for her daughter, El Haymar embarked on a courageous legal battle, leveraging reforms introduced in the 2004 Family Code.
Her fight resonated beyond the courtroom walls. El Haymar’s story became the subject of a documentary titled “Bastards,” directed by British filmmaker Deborah Perkin.
The film, which aired on Moroccan national television and garnered international acclaim, shed light on the plight of mothers in El Haymar’s situation and the legal avenues available to them.
“Bastards” is more than just a documentary; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. As Ambassador Puneet Talwar, the US Ambassador to Morocco, aptly stated, “Rabha is an amazing, determined, and courageous woman. Her award is well-deserved. She is an inspiration to so many…”
A shared thread of courage and a hope for change
El Haymar’s unwavering determination and her willingness to share her story publicly have empowered others. Her voice joins a chorus of courageous women from around the world, recognized at the IWOC ceremony, who are paving the way for a more just and equitable future.
“I am honored to be recognized by the United States, among formidable women from different walks of life that I had the chance to meet here, in Washington,” El Haymar declared after receiving the award.
“As we shared our stories and learned from our experiences, we found out that the common thread in our respective endeavors is indeed courage, coupled with resilience.”
El Haymar’s story resonates even more significantly in light of King Mohammed VI’s call for a renewed review of Morocco’s Family Code. Her case serves as a powerful example of how legal reforms can empower women and protect the rights of children.
As El Haymar herself hopes, these reforms “will protect the rights of all women and children and empower them as full and equal citizens.”
Morocco’s ambassador to the US, Youssef Amrani also commented on the E Haymar’s recognition, stressing that it reflects the virtuous momentum of reforms initiated by ing Mohammed VI in the field of women’s rights.
“This modernist reform has had the virtue of consolidating the democratic process of society to ensure equality and equity between men and women and the preservation of the ethical values of the family, in accordance with the unifying constants of Morocco,” he said.
Rabha El Haymar’s courage and unwavering spirit serve as an inspiration not just in Morocco but across the globe. Her story is a testament to the power of individual action and the transformative potential of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
