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Rabat, Morocco – Marking International Women’s Day, Amina Bouayach, President of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), has issued a strong call for increased collective action to ensure full and equal access to human rights for women, and girls. Bouayach emphasized that the annual observance is both a recognition of the contributions of women leaders and a stark reminder of the persistent inequalities that remain.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day – “Rights. Justice. Action. For all women and girls” – underscores the urgent need for systemic change, Bouayach stated. She highlighted the significant disparities that continue to exist globally, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, where full legal equality between men and women remains elusive. Addressing these inequalities is not merely a matter of fairness, but a fundamental requirement for building just and sustainable societies.
According to United Nations estimates cited by Bouayach, women currently enjoy only 64% of the legal rights afforded to men worldwide. This gap, she warned, is widening at a rate that suggests it will take another 286 years to achieve complete legal parity between the sexes. The CNDH president stressed that without guaranteed rights for all, true justice and equity cannot be realized.
Bouayach’s call to action comes as the CNDH urges its partners and stakeholders to translate the International Women’s Day theme into concrete commitments against all forms of discrimination and obstacles hindering Moroccan women’s full enjoyment of their rights. The Council also reiterated the critical need to combat gender-based violence, which remains one of the most pervasive violations of human rights globally.
Global Disparities in Women’s Rights
The persistent inequalities in legal rights for women are a global concern, with significant regional variations. Bouayach pointed to the particularly challenging situation in the Middle East and North Africa, where legal frameworks often lag behind international standards. The leisurely pace of progress, as highlighted by the UN’s 286-year estimate, underscores the scale of the challenge facing states and the international community.
“Guaranteeing full and equal access to human rights for women and girls is not a choice, but an obligation and an essential condition for building just and sustainable societies,” Bouayach affirmed. The CNDH is actively pursuing initiatives to promote women’s rights, including economic empowerment and combating gender-based violence, through on-the-ground monitoring, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns.
Combating Violence Against Women
Amina Bouayach emphasized the urgent need to address gender-based violence, noting that one in three women experiences some form of violence in their lifetime. The CNDH is prioritizing efforts to combat this widespread violation of human rights, working with partners to strengthen legal protections and support services for survivors.
The Council’s function extends to advocating for policy changes, raising public awareness, and providing expert opinions on public policies related to women’s rights. Bouayach highlighted the importance of a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of discrimination and violence, while also empowering women economically and socially.
Equality as a Cornerstone of Democracy
Bouayach concluded by stating that achieving effective equality between women and men is fundamental to building a democratic society based on dignity, equity, and social justice. “International Women’s Day is not just a symbolic milestone, but a renewed call to action,” she said. “Women’s rights are human rights, and their realization requires strong policies, just laws, and a society that rejects all forms of discrimination and violence.”
The CNDH will continue to prioritize the promotion of women’s and girls’ rights as an integral component of the broader human rights system in Morocco. Bouayach’s leadership and the CNDH’s ongoing efforts are crucial in advancing the cause of gender equality and ensuring that all Moroccan women and girls can fully realize their potential.
As Morocco and the international community continue to address the challenges of gender inequality, sustained commitment and collaborative action will be essential to accelerate progress and build a more just and equitable future for all. Further updates on the CNDH’s initiatives and progress in advancing women’s rights will be released throughout the year.
