Morocco marks National Women's Day amid political gains and social challenges

On the occasion of National Moroccan Women's Day on October 10, discussions have emerged regarding the progress and persistent challenges facing women in Morocco. A significant milestone in political participation was noted with the appointment of Fatima-Zahra Mansouri as the first woman to hold the position of Head of Government.

Despite political advancements, statistical data highlights ongoing socio-economic disparities. According to the Haut-Commissariat au Plan (HCP), the female labor activity rate stood at 18.1% in the second quarter of 2026, compared to 66.5% for men. While female leadership in business is increasing, women lead approximately 15.5% of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Educational and social challenges also remain. While school enrollment for girls aged 6 to 16 reached 96.4% in 2025, a gap exists between urban (98.8%) and rural (93%) areas. Additionally, reports indicate that 8.4% of women aged 20 to 24 were married before the age of 18 in 2024. Concerns regarding violence also persist, with data suggesting that 62.8% of Moroccan women aged 18 to 64 have experienced at least one form of physical, psychological, sexual, or economic violence.