MoU on Integration of Gender Approach in City Policy Projects Inked in Rabat

A memorandum of understanding on the integration of the gender approach in city policy projects was signed on Monday in Rabat.

This memorandum of understanding was signed, during an international seminar under the theme “For more accessible urban public spaces to women and girls”, by Minister of National Land Development, Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy Nouzha Bouchareb, representative of the UN Women office in Morocco Leila Rhiwi, wali director general of local authorities Khalid Safir, president of the Moroccan Association of Presidents of the regions Mhand Laenser, president of the Moroccan Association of Presidents of Communal Councils Mohamed Boudra and President of the Moroccan Association of Presidents of Councils of Prefectures and Provinces Said Ben Mbarek.

Under this memorandum of understanding, the signatory parties undertake, each for its part, to work together to ensure the integration of the gender approach in city policy projects.

At the same time, a practical reference guide for more accessible urban public spaces to women and girls was launched on this occasion.

Through this meeting, the organizers aim to raise participants’ awareness of the link between access to urban public spaces and services and gender inequality, as well as existing strategies for urban design, development and management, in order to ensure free and equal access of men and women to the services and opportunities offered by cities.

It also involves informing the partners concerned (local authorities and contracting authorities) of the indications contained in the reference guide and of international experiences in the field of gender-sensitive urban policies, as well as the creation of a coordination framework for the various actors concerned.