Women’s group urges lawmakers to center gender equality in Morocco’s new education reform

As Morocco debates a major education reform under Draft Law 59.21, the Democratic Association of Moroccan Women (ADFM) is calling on lawmakers to put gender equality at the core of the proposed changes.

In a comprehensive policy memo submitted to Parliament, ADFM has outlined several amendments it believes are essential to aligning the bill with Morocco’s constitutional principles, the 2015–2030 strategic vision for education reform, and global development goals, particularly those centered on equality and access.

Currently under review by the Committee on Education, Culture, and Communication in the House of Representatives, the draft law spans over 100 articles and is set to shape the educational experience of more than eight million students. But according to ADFM, the legislation falls short in key areas, particularly when it comes to addressing systemic gender disparities.

The association criticized the bill’s lack of a clear framework for gender equality. It highlighted the absence of concrete provisions to eliminate gender stereotypes from curricula, protect students from gender-based violence and harassment, and promote the use of inclusive language.

The group also noted that the draft does not mandate the representation of girls in school governance or require data collection to be broken down by gender, both crucial for informed policy decisions.

Among the proposed changes, ADFM is urging lawmakers to enshrine equality and non-discrimination as guiding principles of the law. The group advocates for targeted measures to support girls’ access to education, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, where gender-based disparities are often most pronounced.

The memo also calls for the establishment of robust mechanisms to prevent and respond to school-based violence, including incidents rooted in gender. ADFM emphasizes that ensuring equal participation of girls and boys in academic and extracurricular activities is fundamental to building a more equitable system.

The association is also pushing for regular textbook reviews to eliminate harmful stereotypes, gender-sensitive training for educators, and budgeting practices that take into account the different needs of girls and boys.

Far from opposing the reform in its entirety, ADFM presents its proposals as constructive enhancements. “These are not rejections of the current draft, but essential improvements,” the group stated, arguing that the law, if amended, could lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and rights-based education system.

Earlier this week, ADFM met with the head of the Progress and Socialism parliamentary group to discuss its recommendations. The association has also requested meetings with other political parties as part of its ongoing advocacy to ensure that Morocco’s educational future is one that promotes equality and safeguards the rights of all students.