Right groups warn against exploiting Islam in anti-women discourse amid family law reform

Two prominent Moroccan women’s rights organizations, the organization of Ittihadi women and the Forum for Equality and Parity, issued a joint statement on Wednesday warning against exploiting Islam for anti-women discourse in family law reform.

The NGOs expressed deep concern about attempts by “political Islam” to undermine efforts to reform the country’s Family Code. 

The statement criticizes “the return of certain voices that hide their hostility towards women’s rights, claiming to be defending religious values.” 

The statement specifically mentions recent remarks on reform proposals by former head of government Abdelilah Benkirane.

Warning against the weaponization of religion in political conflict, the organizations said that reforming the Family Code falls within the jurisdiction of King Mohammed VI.

The statement added that it’s the kinf who guarantees the objectives of Islamic law through a tradition of moderation and addressing contemporary challenges with pragmatism and public interest in mind.

The NGOs condemned attempts by “some expressions of political Islam” to exploit religion for anti-women rhetoric and disrupt the royal initiative for reform.

The statement views these attempts as efforts to revive past divisive tactics and rejected practices.

The organizations reaffirmed their commitment to reforms that meet the demands of the national women’s movement, prioritize balance, equality, fairness, and the best interests of children.

The statement called for comprehensive legal reforms aligned with the constitution, international human rights conventions, and agreements ratified by Morocco, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

The statement also urged the implementation of a gender-sensitive approach in public policies and the removal of barriers hindering women’s participation in public affairs, 

The NGOs acknowledged the significant challenges women face due to the current social and economic situation, with many serving as the sole breadwinners of their families.

The NGO’s statement comes as a response to Abdelilah Benkirane’s remarks about child marriage, where he defended the practice and threatened mass protests.

During the party’s national rally on March 3rd, in Casablanca, Abdelilah Benkirane, the former head of government and leader of the Justice and Development Party, firmly rejected any changes to Islamic law in the upcoming family code. 

Benkirane said that the Moroccan people would not accept any alterations to Sharia Law. He even suggested the possibility of staging a demonstration of a million people similar to one held in 2000 against the “Women’s Integration Plan.”