The Status of Women in the New Moroccan Legal Framework

This paper explores the significant legal and social advancements of women’s rights in Morocco, particularly following the implementation of the 2003 Family Code, known as Mudawwana, and the constitutional reform of 2011. The study highlights how these reforms have addressed key issues such as gender equality, marital rights, and the role of women in both private and public spheres. By examining the historical context of women’s roles, from early Islamic institutions to post-independence democratic reforms under the Alawite monarchy, the analysis shows how the Moroccan state has sought to balance tradition with modernity. It also addresses the influence of feminist movements since the 1970s, which have played a crucial role in advancing women’s political participation and legal status. Morocco’s reforms are compared to other Maghreb countries, offering insights into how Islamic legal principles can interact with international human rights standards to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment within an Islamic framework.