Violence Against Women: 4 Researchers Awarded

Four Moroccan researchers were awarded on Monday in Rabat for their research work dealing with the theme of violence against women.

Launched by the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research, in partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), this prize awards the best scientific research dealing with this issue.

The awarded subjects are related to the care units dedicated to women victims of violence, the legislative framework of the problem and the psychosocial approach of violence against women.

Mehdia Raissouni of Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Tetouan received the best publication award, while Rachid Merzguioui of Sidi Mohamed Benabdellah University in Fez was presented with the best book chapter award.

The prize for the best published article went to Keltoum Iqqs of the Mohammed V University in Rabat, while the prize for the best paper was awarded to Abdelkrim Belhaj of the same university.

This award is a recognition of achievements in scientific research, especially those related to the fight against violence against women. Scientific research can innovate solutions to eradicate this scourge, Minister Delegate for Higher Education and Scientific Research Driss Ouaouicha told the press.

“This initiative is the first of a series of awards that will be presented by the Organization and governmental institutions to support women,” said ICESCO Director-General Salim Al-Malik.

CNRST director Jamila El Alami stated that the Center had received 115 applications, 20 of which were selected. These projects dealt with the fight against violence against women and proposed practical solutions, the official explained.

On the sidelines of the awards presentation ceremony, a cooperation agreement was signed to launch an annual award for the best scientific research on the fight against violence against women.

The agreement, which is part of the National Initiative to Combat Violence against Women, launched on March 8, 2020, under the presidency of HRH Princess Lalla Meryem, was initialed by Ouaouicha, Al-Malik and El Alami.

The agreement determines the framework of cooperation between the signatory parties to launch the said prize, which will award, every March 8, research work aimed at producing new knowledge or new proposals to address violence against women.