Ever since its inception in the mid-1940s, the Moroccan feminist movement has evolved around the family law code. The post-independence family law denied the women basic rights, fuelling disappointment and anger among the female intellectual elite (journalists, writers, politicians and activists). Legal rights have always constituted a priority in Moroccan women’s struggle for dignity in and outside home. These rights have become central to women’s activism with their increasing access to education and the job market. Today, women’s legal rights are associated with democratization and political openness. This paper addresses these issues and underlines the impact of the family law in generating and accelerating feminist ideas in Morocco.

The present article deals with the role of women’s agency in the struggle against discrimination and gender inequalities. It highlights their efforts to consolidate women’s rights, democracy and social justice.

Over the last two decades, the Middle East and North Africa regions have witnessed the upsurge of women’s activism at the national and regional levels. Women’s associations, which have links with international organizations of human rights, have relied on collaborative collective work, either through networks, alliances, or working groups to make women’s voices heard in the public sphere. Women’s activism has played a central role in the reform of the personal status law, in combating gender-based violence, in CEDAW enforcement, and other issues1.

Parallel to the above, the region has several experiences with women’s activism and capacity building activities. Women have become key agents in a number of activities relevant to human rights, development, and gender equality. As a result of women’s activism the family codes have recently been reformed in Morocco and Algeria.

The post-independence family law in Morocco denied women basic rights and fueled the disappointment and anger of the female intellectual elite. Legal rights have always constituted a priority in Moroccan women’s struggle for dignity in and outside home. These rights became central with women’s mounting access to education and the job market.

The changes to the ‘Mudawana’ family code make polygamy acceptable only in rare circumstances, and only with the permission of a judge and a man’s first wife. They also raise the age of marriage for girls from 15 to 18 and give wives ‘joint responsibility’ with their husbands in family matters. The reforms reflect the ruling elite’s resolve to promote the situation of women while respecting the principles of Islam. However, there are implementation issues due to judges’ old mentalities, women’s illiteracy, poverty and corruption. Despite difficulties in implementation, the new initiative giving more rights to women will definitely have a positive impact on families, as the reforms meet the aspirations of Moroccan citizens and enhance social justice, gender equity, and equality in conformity with both the teachings of Islam and international conventions.

History and Culture Journal, Anti-Ahmadiya Sectarian Riots, Ahmadiya Movement, Muslim League Party, Muslim Community, Christian Missionaries, Government Documents, Religious Communities, Ahmadiya Leadership, Sectarian Organization, Government Services, Nazimuddin Government, Anti-government Campaign.