Moroccan Women's Strides: Empowerment Through Education.
Moroccan women strive hard amid many social constraints and economic instabilities to enhance their income and lives.
By Mirna Fahmy
Low Female Employment Rates.
In Morocco, women’s illiteracy is a significant issue, with recent statistics highlighting a stark contrast between urban and rural areas. Approximately 55% of women in Morocco are estimated to be illiterate, with the rate soaring to 90% among rural women. This high illiteracy rate severely impacts women’s ability to participate in the labor market, as many lack the necessary skills to secure employment. The female labor force participation rate in Morocco is notably low, standing at 21.6% as of 2018, meaning that 78.4% of women aged 15 to 65 are neither employed nor actively seeking work.
Sources: Vital Voices, World Bank
Barriers Hindering Women's Education.
Cultural norms and gender roles are major factors. Many families view girls’ education as less valuable, believing that girls are primarily destined for marriage and motherhood. This perception results in lower enrollment rates for girls compared to boys. As a result, early marriage is a prevalent cultural practice in rural areas, with around 16% of Moroccan girls marrying before the age of 18. This significantly disrupts their education, as societal expectations often prioritize marriage and domestic responsibilities over schooling.
Sources: Vital Voices, Eurasia Review, High Atlas Foundation
Economic Struggles.
The labor market in Morocco faces significant challenges, including high youth unemployment and low female employment rates. Despite having a young population, many young Moroccans—both men and women—struggle to find quality jobs. Informal employment is widespread, leading to low wages and poor job quality. Divorced women, single mothers, widows, and women seeking independence can no longer rely on male family members due to high inflation and rising commodity prices. These difficult circumstances have pushed many women to seek employment, but due to limited education and skills, they often struggle to secure proper, well-paying jobs.
Sources: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Initiatives that Empower Women.
In Morocco, several initiatives and projects have been launched to enhance women’s education and facilitate their entry into the job market, empowering them both economically and socially. Since 2014, Morocco has implemented programs that have benefited over 9 million people, with women comprising 85% of participants. These literacy programs are crucial in helping women acquire basic skills necessary for employment.
For vocational training, the Amal Women’s Training Center, a nonprofit organization, specifically addresses the unemployment gap among women by equipping them with skills needed in various industries. Operating as a restaurant in Marrakesh, Amal primarily provides kitchen-based training. Participants also receive education in hygiene, safety, service, and language skills, enabling them to secure jobs beyond the program and achieve financial independence.
The documentary Solace in Amal follows Elhassania, a young woman navigating her journey at the centre, aspiring to open her own business to support her family. She is one of many women who have turned to Amal to improve their skills and create better opportunities for themselves.
Sources: Independent UK
“Women have a crucial role to play in the development of our country. They are not just mothers; they are also leaders, innovators, and contributors to the economy.”
–Amina Benkhadra, a Former Moroccan Minister of Energy and Mines in Morocco.
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