Morocco

Cultural Influence

Moroccan culture is a mixture of Arab, Berber, European, and African influences. Although the

Constitution stipulates gender equality, many Moroccans believe women have natural capacities for nurturing and caring. Motherhood is sacred and brings social status. Single women face high social and legal penalties for having a child. Premarital sex is socially unacceptable. The Family Code, or Mudawana, which is based on Islamic law (sharia), was revised in 2004. Women's legal duties focus on housekeeping, child rearing, and family responsibilities. Women are the primary religious educators of small children. Since 2004, either the husband or the wife may request divorce. Fifteen percent of families are female headed. While most women are aware of contraception, its use is not widespread; 63 percent of women in union use birth control. Abortion is illegal. Medical facilities may not be accessible or affordable, particularly in rural areas. About a third of women receive prenatal care, and less than two-thirds of births are attended by skilled personnel. The maternal mortality rate is moderate. Despite a government goal of universal, primary school enrollment, girls are more likely than boys to drop out, particularly in poor families. Morocco's secondary school enrollment rates and girls' literacy rates are among the lowest in the region.

Mother Activism

Women's rights activists in Morocco influenced changes under the new Family Code instituted in 2004. As a result, women have equal authority in the family, may instigate divorce, and keep the house if they have custody of the children. Children of a Moroccan mother and foreign father are now eligible for Moroccan nationality. Malika Oufkir, author, human rights activist, and mother, was adopted by King Muhammad V as a child. Her works have been translated into 19 languages. Nawal El Moutawakel, mother of two, was the first Muslim and African woman Olympic medal winner and is an Arab symbol of women's liberation and empowerment.