Morocco Ombudsman launches equality program to address gender gaps in public administration

Morocco’s ombudsman has launched a new strategic program aimed at tackling discrimination in public administration, with a strong focus on gender equality.

The initiative, announced Wednesday under the slogan “Toward an Equal Administration,” seeks to identify and address discriminatory provisions in laws, regulations and administrative practices.

Ombudsman Hassan Tarik said the program is designed to “place Moroccan law on the table of broad public debate to identify provisions that undermine the principle of equality.”

Speaking at a workshop titled “Moroccan Administration and the Challenge of Gender Equality,” Tarik said the program also intends to create a national index on administrative equality. The index would give policymakers, lawmakers and civil society a framework to assess fairness in public administration through a gender perspective.

Tarik noted that while public policy discourse in Morocco often emphasizes gender equality, administrative practices lag behind, leaving the issue in what he called “a shadowed corner of public debate.” He added that many complaints submitted to the ombudsman’s office reflect citizens’ struggles to articulate discrimination in legal terms, often expressing frustration and feelings of injustice instead.

Fatima Krich, coordinator of the “Toward an Equal Administration” program, said the two-year initiative, running through 2026, is part of Morocco’s democratic reform and social justice agenda. She said it aims to strengthen inclusivity in public services, guarantee equal access to rights, and contribute to women’s economic empowerment.

Zineb Chbihi of UN Women Morocco said the program aligns with the country’s international commitments, particularly the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. She emphasized the importance of integrating a gender perspective into administrative policies and practices, adding that UN Women stands ready to support the program through capacity-building, advocacy and research.